Does Cardio Before Weights Help Or Not?

steeljaw2 · 12-12-2007, 04:46 PM

I was wondering if doing cardio before i lift weights helps at all, rather than lifting weights first, and cardio after...would the only difference be the obvious, you're more worked up if you do cardio first...basically im saying, does doing cardio work first, help you in the weight room, or does it hinder your weight training?

CarnalSalvation · 12-12-2007, 04:51 PM

If you're doing it with ANY kind of intensity, it's gonna hinder your lifting.

magicman531 · 12-12-2007, 05:19 PM

Yeah, going into a weight lifting session tired isn't really conducive for heavy lifting.

Klotz · 12-12-2007, 05:22 PM

Only light cardio as a warmup, like 5 mins on an exercise bike or something. If you get tired A. you won't be able to lift as well and B. you won't want to lift.

JPC · 12-12-2007, 05:49 PM

yeah what they all said

The Colonel · 12-12-2007, 06:04 PM

I used to do cardio before lifting (I do distance running) and sometimes I'd run up to 5 miles before I lifted. I was getting through the lifting sessions but not really getting any stronger.

After I switched things around and lifting first I made much better progress. And like others said, going into a lifting session after already fatiguing yourself with running, you're risking injuring yourself through bad technique.

Fedoraba · 12-12-2007, 07:22 PM

Separate day for cardio, if you want to get better cardio and lifting at any kind of decent progression.

realcheeze · 12-12-2007, 07:24 PM

i found it better to do warmup then weights and then cardio, cus i have no energy for weights after cardio.

**Urban** · 12-12-2007, 07:43 PM

I can't lift after cardio. I find Lifting more demanding technically, therefore I get my technical shit done before beating myself into the ground with conditioning. IMO, if you had to do it all in one session, technique first (practicing whatever your sport is), strength training second, cardio last.

Centaur · 12-12-2007, 08:06 PM

If you're going to do weights and cardio on the same day I would suggest weights first, then cardio.

I saw an article regarding this in Mens Health or something and it went something like this:

Lifting weights will make your body use up glycogen, then when you do cardio you'll burn more fat, where as if you did cardio first you'd use some of the glycogen that you'll need for lifting and burn less fat.

The study they cited said that people who did lifts then cardio burned more calories from fat overall. I guess for most people who are working out with aesthetics as the primary goal this would be important.

Some people also feel that you should do whatever it is that is most important to you first. If increased cardio is your primary concern then you might want to start there.
Personally I like to separate them on different days.