Why Shouldn t You Do Cardio Before Weights

If you're someone who likes to hit the gym, you've probably heard that it's best to do cardio before weights. But is this really the best approach? In this article, we'll be discussing why shouldn't you do cardio before weights, and the benefits of doing weights before cardio. We'll also be providing some tips on how to structure your workout routine for optimal results. So let's dive in!

Table of Contents

• Why Not Cardio Before Weights?
• Benefits of Weights Before Cardio
• Structuring Your Workout Routine
• Tips for Success
• FAQ

Why Not Cardio Before Weights?

There are a few reasons why you shouldn't do cardio before weights. Firstly, cardio can be quite taxing on the body, and doing it before weights can leave you feeling fatigued and unable to lift as heavy. This can limit your gains and make it harder to progress in your strength training.

Another reason why you shouldn't do cardio before weights is that it can decrease your energy levels. When you do cardio, your body uses up a lot of glycogen, which is the stored form of carbohydrates in your muscles. If you then go on to do weights, you may find that you don't have enough energy to complete your workout at the same intensity as you would if you had done weights first.

Finally, doing cardio before weights can also increase your risk of injury. Cardio can increase your heart rate and blood flow, which can make your muscles more pliable and susceptible to injury. If you then go on to lift weights, you may be more prone to strains and sprains.

Benefits of Weights Before Cardio

Now that we've discussed why you shouldn't do cardio before weights, let's talk about the benefits of doing weights before cardio. Firstly, lifting weights before doing cardio can help you build more muscle. When you lift weights, you're putting your muscles under tension, which causes micro-tears in the muscle fibers. These tears then repair and grow back stronger, leading to muscle growth.

Another benefit of doing weights before cardio is that it can improve your overall workout performance. When you lift weights, you're using a lot of energy, and doing cardio afterwards can help you burn off any excess energy. This can help you feel more energized and focused throughout your workout.

Finally, doing weights before cardio can also help you burn more fat. When you lift weights, you're increasing your muscle mass, which in turn increases your metabolism. This means that your body will burn more calories throughout the day, even when you're not working out.

Structuring Your Workout Routine

So, how should you structure your workout routine to get the most out of your weightlifting and cardio sessions? Here's a simple plan to follow:

1. Warm up with some light cardio for 10-15 minutes.
2. Do your weightlifting session, focusing on compound exercises like squats, deadlifts, and bench presses.
3. Finish your workout with a cardio session, such as running, cycling, or rowing.

By following this plan, you'll be able to get the benefits of both weightlifting and cardio without sacrificing your gains or risking injury.

Tips for Success

Here are some additional tips to help you get the most out of your workout routine:

• Make sure you're eating enough to fuel your workouts. This means eating a well-balanced diet that includes plenty of protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats.
• Get plenty of rest and recovery. This means taking rest days when needed, getting enough sleep, and stretching after your workouts.
• Progress your workouts gradually. This means lifting slightly heavier weights or increasing your cardio time gradually over time.

FAQ

Q: Can I do cardio and weights on the same day?

A: Yes, you can do cardio and weights on the same day. However, it's best to do weights before cardio to get the most out of your workout.

Q: How often should I do cardio and weights?

A: This depends on your fitness goals and current fitness level. As a general rule, aim to do cardio and weights at least three times a week.

Q: What's the best type of cardio to do after weights?

A: The best type of cardio to do after weights is one that gets your heart rate up and burns calories, such as running, cycling, or rowing.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are many reasons why you shouldn't do cardio before weights. Doing weights before cardio can help you build muscle, improve your workout performance, and burn more fat. By structuring your workout routine properly and following the tips we've provided, you can get the most out of your weightlifting and cardio sessions and achieve your fitness goals.