Are you confused about whether to start your workout with cardio or weights? This is a common dilemma that many fitness enthusiasts face. The good news is that you are not alone, and this article will help you understand the benefits of doing cardio or weights first.
One of the pain points of fitness enthusiasts is figuring out the best approach to maximize their workout. Should they start with cardio or weights? Is there a right or wrong way to do this? These are some of the questions that come to mind when considering the order of your workout routine.
Is Cardio or Weights Better to Do First?
The answer to this question depends on your fitness goals. If you are looking to build muscle mass, it is best to start with weights. On the other hand, if you want to improve your endurance and burn calories, starting with cardio is the way to go.
However, there is no hard and fast rule on which one to do first. It ultimately boils down to personal preference and fitness goals. Some people prefer to start with cardio to warm up their body, while others like to lift weights first to increase their strength and endurance.
To help you make an informed decision, here are some of the benefits of doing cardio or weights first.
Benefits of Doing Cardio First
Personally, I prefer to start with cardio first for several reasons. First, it helps me warm up my body and prepare it for the weightlifting session. Also, cardio helps me burn calories and improve my endurance. Doing cardio first also helps me get into the right mindset for my workout.
Research shows that starting with cardio can improve your overall workout performance. A study published in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research found that doing cardio before weightlifting can improve your strength and endurance.
Benefits of Doing Weights First
Starting with weights has its own set of benefits. For instance, lifting weights first can help you build muscle mass and strength. It also helps you burn more calories during your workout and after your workout, as your muscles continue to burn calories even after your workout.
Weightlifting can also improve your bone density and reduce the risk of osteoporosis, especially for women. It also helps improve your posture and balance, which can reduce the risk of falls and injuries.
The Best Approach
The best approach to decide whether to start with cardio or weights is to understand your fitness goals. If your primary goal is to build muscle mass and strength, lifting weights first is the way to go. On the other hand, if you want to improve your endurance and burn calories, start with cardio.
How to Incorporate Cardio and Weights in Your Workout
If you want to incorporate both cardio and weights in your workout, here is a sample routine you can follow:
- Warm up with cardio for 10-15 minutes
- Lift weights for 30-45 minutes
- Finish with cardio for 10-15 minutes
This routine will help you get the best of both worlds and achieve your fitness goals.
My Personal Experience
As someone who loves to lift weights and do cardio, I find that doing cardio first helps me warm up my body and prepare it for the weightlifting session. It also helps me burn calories and improve my endurance. However, I know that this may not be the best approach for everyone.
Question and Answer
Q. Is it better to do cardio or weights first for weight loss?
A. Starting with cardio can help you burn more calories and improve your endurance, which can aid in weight loss. However, weightlifting can also contribute to weight loss by building muscle mass, which burns calories even at rest.
Q. How long should I do cardio before lifting weights?
A. It is recommended to do cardio for 10-15 minutes to warm up your body before lifting weights.
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 is recommended to leave a gap of at least 30 minutes between the two workouts to avoid fatigue and injury.
Q. Can I do cardio and weights on alternate days?
A. Yes, you can do cardio and weights on alternate days, depending on your fitness goals and schedule.
Conclusion of Is Cardio or Weights Better to Do First
Ultimately, the order of your workout routine depends on your personal preference and fitness goals. Whether you decide to start with cardio or weights, make sure to warm up your body and incorporate both into your workout routine to achieve the best results.
