Cardio Before Or After Work Out: Which Is Better?

Introduction

When it comes to getting fit, there are a lot of things to consider. One of the big questions that comes up is whether to do cardio before or after your weightlifting routine. Some people swear by one method, while others prefer the other. In this article, we’ll take a look at the pros and cons of each approach and help you decide which one is right for you.

The Benefits of Doing Cardio Before Your Workout

There are a few reasons why people like to do their cardio before they start lifting weights. First, it can help get your heart rate up and warm up your muscles, making it easier to get into the swing of things. Additionally, some studies have suggested that doing cardio before lifting weights can help you burn more fat. This is because your body is in a “fasted” state, meaning it has already used up some of its stored glycogen and is more likely to tap into your fat stores for energy.

The Drawbacks of Doing Cardio Before Your Workout

On the other hand, there are some potential downsides to doing cardio before you lift. For one thing, it can be tiring, which could impact your ability to lift weights effectively. Additionally, if you do too much cardio before your workout, you might not have enough energy left to really push yourself during your lifting routine. Finally, some studies have suggested that doing cardio before lifting weights could negatively impact your strength gains, although this is still a subject of debate.

The Benefits of Doing Cardio After Your Workout

If you’re not a fan of doing cardio before your workout, you might prefer to save it for after your lifting session. There are a few reasons why this approach can be effective. For one thing, it can help you burn more calories overall, since your body is already in a state of heightened metabolism from your weightlifting routine. Additionally, doing cardio after your workout can help you cool down and stretch out your muscles, which can reduce soreness and improve recovery time.

The Drawbacks of Doing Cardio After Your Workout

Of course, there are some potential downsides to doing cardio after you lift weights as well. For one thing, you might not have as much energy left to really push yourself during your cardio session. Additionally, if you’re relying on cardio to help you burn fat, doing it after your workout might not be as effective as doing it before, since your body has already started to replenish its glycogen stores.

So, Which Approach is Better?

As with many fitness-related questions, the answer to this one is “it depends.” Some people swear by doing cardio before their workout, while others prefer to save it for after. Ultimately, the best approach is the one that works for you and helps you achieve your fitness goals. If you’re not sure which approach is right for you, it might be worth experimenting with both and seeing which one feels better.

FAQs

• Q: Can I do cardio and weightlifting on the same day?
• A: Yes, absolutely! Just be sure to give yourself enough time to recover between workouts.
• Q: How long should my cardio session be?
• A: This will depend on your fitness level and goals, but a good rule of thumb is to aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity cardio per day.
• Q: Should I do cardio every day?
• A: Again, this will depend on your goals and fitness level. Some people find that doing cardio every day is effective, while others prefer to take rest days in between workouts. Listen to your body and do what works best for you.