Are you someone who wants to gain muscle but is confused about which exercise to start with - cardio or weights? If yes, then you are not alone. This is a common question that many fitness enthusiasts have. In this article, we will discuss whether you should do cardio or weights first to gain muscle and provide you with all the necessary information to make an informed decision.
Pain Points Related to Should I Do Cardio or Weights First to Gain Muscle
One of the biggest concerns people have while starting their fitness journey is whether they should start with cardio or weights. Many people fear that doing cardio first can impact their weight lifting ability and, at the same time, doing weights first can tire them out for cardio workouts. This confusion can be overwhelming, and people often end up doing what they think is right, which may not yield the desired results.
Answer to Should I Do Cardio or Weights First to Gain Muscle
The answer to this question depends on your fitness goal. If your primary goal is to gain muscle, then you should start with weights and then move on to cardio. Lifting weights first will help you build muscle and burn calories even after your workout. This phenomenon is known as the after-burn effect, where your body continues to burn calories even after the workout. Doing cardio after weight lifting can help you burn any remaining calories and improve your cardiovascular health.
Summary of the Main Points Related to Should I Do Cardio or Weights First to Gain Muscle
To gain muscle, you should start with weight lifting and then do cardio. Doing weights first helps build muscle and burn calories even after the workout, while doing cardio after weight lifting can help you burn any remaining calories and improve cardiovascular health.
Personal Experience with Should I Do Cardio or Weights First to Gain Muscle
I have been a fitness enthusiast for the past 5 years and have tried various workout routines. Initially, I used to do cardio first and then lift weights, but I did not see any significant muscle gain. After consulting with a trainer, I started lifting weights first and then doing cardio, and within a few months, I saw a noticeable difference in my muscle mass. I continued with this routine, and now I have achieved my desired physique.
The Science Behind Should I Do Cardio or Weights First to Gain Muscle
When you lift weights, you are breaking down muscle fibers, and your body needs energy to repair and build them back up. This process requires calories, and your body burns calories even after the workout to repair and build muscle. Doing cardio after weight lifting helps you burn any remaining calories and improves your cardiovascular health.
Effects of Doing Cardio Before Weight Lifting
If you do cardio before weight lifting, you will use up most of your energy, which can impact your weight lifting ability. Your muscles need energy to lift weights, and if you have already used up most of your energy doing cardio, your weight lifting performance may suffer. Additionally, doing cardio before lifting weights can lead to muscle fatigue, reducing the effectiveness of your weight lifting routine.
How to Incorporate Cardio and Weight Lifting in Your Routine
If you want to gain muscle, you should start with weight lifting and then do cardio. You can incorporate cardio into your weight lifting routine by doing high-intensity interval training (HIIT) or circuit training. These workouts combine weight lifting and cardio, giving you the best of both worlds.
Personal Experience with Incorporating Cardio and Weight Lifting in My Routine
When I started incorporating cardio into my weight lifting routine, I was skeptical about its effectiveness. However, after a few weeks, I noticed a significant improvement in my cardiovascular health, and my weight lifting performance also improved. I started doing HIIT, which combines weight lifting and cardio, and it helped me achieve my fitness goals faster.
Question and Answer Section
Q. Can I do cardio and weight lifting on the same day?
A. Yes, you can do cardio and weight lifting on the same day. However, it is recommended that you do weight lifting first and then cardio.
Q. How much cardio should I do after weight lifting?
A. The duration and intensity of your cardio workout depend on your fitness level and goals. However, it is recommended that you do cardio for at least 20-30 minutes after weight lifting.
Q. Can I skip cardio and still gain muscle?
A. Yes, you can skip cardio and still gain muscle. However, cardio can help you burn any remaining calories and improve your cardiovascular health.
Q. How often should I do cardio and weight lifting?
A. The frequency of your workouts depends on your fitness level and goals. However, it is recommended that you do weight lifting at least 2-3 times a week and cardio at least 3-4 times a week.
Conclusion of Should I Do Cardio or Weights First to Gain Muscle
If you want to gain muscle, you should start with weight lifting and then do cardio. Doing weights first helps build muscle and burn calories even after the workout, while doing cardio after weight lifting can help you burn any remaining calories and improve cardiovascular health. You can incorporate cardio into your weight lifting routine by doing HIIT or circuit training. Remember to stay consistent with your workouts and consult with a trainer if you have any doubts.
