Here are some tips on whether strength training or cardio should come first in your workout routine.
Hello friends! Have a great day!
In today’s article, We’ll discuss strength training vs. cardio and which should come first in your routine. There are many different types of exercise routines, each offering different benefits to the body (and mind). Combining strength training (weight training) and cardio can help you reach your body composition and fitness goals, and knowing how to structure these in your routine can help you maximize the benefits. Which one you do first depends on your goals, including your overall fitness goals.
In today’s article, we’ll give you some tips to help you decide which one to do first.
Should I do strength training or cardio first?
A balanced fitness plan includes elements of strength training and cardio, mobility training and rest. Also, try to alternate the intensity of your training throughout the week. For example, if you have a very hard cardio day, follow it with a lighter or rest day and include at least one moderate intensity day. How much cardio and strength training you include in your weekly routine will depend on your current fitness level, goals, age, health issues, injuries, medications and other unique factors. Please remember that while I am a certified personal trainer and female fitness expert, I am not a doctor. Consult with your doctor before making any fitness changes and take care of your body.
Also, when you start something new in your routine, make sure you don’t push yourself too hard because you’re going to get sore. This is why I have my new clients start out using only their own body weight or very light weights. No matter what you do, you’re going to get sore.
The benefits of cardio after weight training
For body reconstruction:
I usually recommend strength training followed by cardio for people looking to build muscle. Many women don’t realize that they need to build muscle if they want to look more “toned”, so I lean more towards strength training (progressive training and step-by-step programming for optimal results) and a little bit of cardio, but not too much.
Hormonal Considerations:
I also see many women who have hormone imbalances due to years of stress, poor diet, and over-exercise. Exercise can put extra stress on the body, and intense aerobic exercise can significantly increase your heart rate, so we focus on strength training and continuing with daily walks until energy levels are restored and inflammation subsides.
Weight training helps prepare your body for aerobic exercise first.
Doing a strength training session first prepares your body for more explosive cardiovascular exercises. Lifting weights and doing any type of strength or resistance training will get your joints moving through a full range of motion and warm up your muscles. It’s a good idea to mimic some of the cardio exercises you’ll be doing during your strength training routine.
Increased muscle density for improved metabolism:
Muscle tissue is “hunger” than fat, so it burns more calories at rest. Focusing on improving strength may not increase the calories you burn during training, but it will increase your body’s energy needs and boost your metabolism.
The benefits of cardio before weight training
Levers you can pull to lose fat
While I believe nutrition and sleep are paramount for fat loss, you can also use cardio as leverage before strength training, which will increase your total calorie burn during the actual workout and give you more energy to push yourself.
If you’re training for a race or endurance event, doing cardio first will improve your performance.
Whatever you do at the beginning of your workout will give you more energy, and if you have a specific endurance goal, it’s a good idea to warm up and then do some cardio to build up your endurance.
In the end, consistency is key
The bottom line is this: Don’t worry too much about whether to do cardio first or strength training first. Decide what fits your routine and what you can stick with. It also comes down to personal preference and what you enjoy. If you enjoy your routine, you’re more likely to stick with it in the long term and get the best results.
So, tell me guys: do you like to do your cardio and weight training on the same days or on different days?
Which would you like to do first?
Kiss
Gina
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