Are you wondering what type of cardio you should do after weight training? Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned gym-goer, it can be confusing to figure out which type of cardio is best after lifting weights. But don't worry, we've got you covered!
Many people struggle with finding the right balance between weightlifting and cardio. It's important to know that both are important for overall health and fitness. However, if you are wondering what cardio you should do after weight training, it all depends on your fitness goals.
If your goal is to build muscle and strength, you should focus on weight training and limit your cardio to short, high-intensity sessions. But if your goal is to lose weight and improve your cardiovascular endurance, you may want to incorporate longer, low-intensity cardio into your routine.
In this article, we will discuss different types of cardio that are suitable for after weight training and how they can help you reach your fitness goals.
The Benefits of HIIT
High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) is a type of cardio that involves short, intense bursts of exercise followed by periods of rest. This type of cardio is great for people who want to improve their cardiovascular endurance and burn fat. HIIT can be done on a treadmill, exercise bike, or even outdoors.
I personally love doing HIIT on the treadmill after weight training. I usually start with a five-minute warm-up at a moderate pace, then alternate between 30 seconds of sprinting and 30 seconds of walking for 15-20 minutes. It's a quick and effective way to get your heart rate up and burn some extra calories.
The Benefits of Low-Intensity Steady-State (LISS) Cardio
Low-Intensity Steady-State (LISS) cardio is another type of cardio that is suitable for after weight training. This type of cardio involves exercising at a low to moderate intensity for a longer period of time. LISS cardio can be done on a treadmill, elliptical, or even outdoors.
I like to do LISS cardio on the elliptical after weight training. I usually aim for 30-45 minutes at a moderate pace. LISS cardio is great for improving your cardiovascular health and burning fat.
The Benefits of Walking
Walking is a simple and effective form of cardio that is suitable for people of all fitness levels. Walking after weight training is a great way to cool down and improve your cardiovascular health.
I like to incorporate walking into my daily routine by taking a 30-minute walk after dinner. It's a great way to burn some extra calories and clear your mind after a long day.
The Benefits of Swimming
Swimming is a low-impact form of cardio that is great for people with joint pain or injuries. Swimming after weight training can help improve your cardiovascular health and increase your overall fitness level.
I like to swim laps after weight training for 30-45 minutes. It's a great way to cool down and stretch out my muscles after lifting weights.
Question and Answer
Q: Should I do cardio before or after weight training?
A: It's generally recommended to do weight training before cardio. This is because weight training requires more energy and focus, and doing cardio beforehand can affect your performance and increase your risk of injury.
Q: How much cardio should I do after weight training?
A: The amount of cardio you should do after weight training depends on your fitness goals. If your goal is to build muscle and strength, limit your cardio to short, high-intensity sessions. If your goal is to lose weight and improve your cardiovascular endurance, you may want to incorporate longer, low-intensity cardio into your routine.
Q: Can I do cardio and weight training on the same day?
A: Yes, you can do cardio and weight training on the same day. However, it's important to space them out properly to avoid overtraining and injury. It's generally recommended to do weight training first, followed by cardio.
Q: How often should I do cardio after weight training?
A: The frequency of cardio after weight training depends on your fitness goals and schedule. If your goal is to build muscle and strength, limit your cardio to 1-2 sessions per week. If your goal is to lose weight and improve your cardiovascular endurance, you may want to do cardio 3-4 times per week.
Conclusion of What Cardio Should I Do After Weight Training
Choosing the right type of cardio after weight training can help you reach your fitness goals faster. Whether you prefer HIIT, LISS, walking, or swimming, incorporating cardio into your routine can help improve your cardiovascular health, burn fat, and increase your overall fitness level.
