Are you someone who likes to hit the gym and do weight training followed by some cardio? If yes, have you ever wondered what happens if you do cardio after weight training? In this blog post, we will explore the effects of doing cardio after weight training and whether it is beneficial or detrimental to your workout routine.
Pain Points of Doing Cardio After Weight Training
Many people experience fatigue and exhaustion after a workout, and adding cardio to the end of your weight training session can make you feel even more tired. You may also feel like you are not getting the results you want, even though you are putting in the effort. Additionally, doing cardio after weight training can lead to a higher risk of injury and muscle damage, which can negatively impact your fitness goals.
What Happens If I Do Cardio After Weight Training?
If you do cardio after weight training, your body will be in a state of fatigue, and your heart rate will already be elevated. Adding more cardio to the end of your workout can put unnecessary stress on your body, leading to muscle damage and a higher risk of injury. Additionally, doing cardio after weight training can decrease the effectiveness of your weight training, as your body will not have the energy and strength required to perform weight training exercises with proper form and intensity.
Furthermore, doing cardio after weight training can also lead to a decrease in muscle mass, as your body will start to use muscle as fuel for the cardio exercise. This can hinder your weight loss goals, as muscle burns more calories than fat, and losing muscle can result in a slower metabolism.
Summary of What Happens If I Do Cardio After Weight Training
In summary, doing cardio after weight training can lead to fatigue, a higher risk of injury, decreased effectiveness of weight training, and a decrease in muscle mass. It is essential to prioritize your fitness goals and choose the workout routine that best supports your goals.
Personal Experience: Doing Cardio After Weight Training
Personally, I used to do cardio after weight training, thinking I was maximizing my workout. However, I noticed that I was not seeing the results I wanted, and I was always feeling exhausted. When I switched to doing cardio on separate days or before weight training, I noticed a significant improvement in my energy levels and the effectiveness of my workouts.
Benefits of Doing Cardio Before Weight Training
If you prefer to do cardio and weight training on the same day, it is best to do cardio before weight training. Doing cardio before weight training can help increase your heart rate and warm up your muscles, leading to improved performance during weight training. Additionally, doing cardio before weight training can also help with fat loss, as your body will start burning fat as fuel during the cardio session, leading to a higher calorie burn during weight training.
How Much Cardio Should I Do Before Weight Training?
The amount of cardio you should do before weight training depends on your fitness goals and current fitness level. If you are new to exercise, start with 10-15 minutes of cardio before weight training and gradually increase the duration as your fitness level improves. For those looking to increase their fat loss, aim for 20-30 minutes of cardio before weight training.
Tips for Proper Form During Cardio Before Weight Training
When doing cardio before weight training, it is essential to maintain proper form to avoid injury and maximize the effectiveness of your workout. Some tips for proper form during cardio before weight training include:
- Use proper footwear
- Keep your shoulders back and down
- Maintain a neutral spine
- Engage your core
- Breathe deeply and rhythmically
Personal Experience: Doing Cardio Before Weight Training
I have found that doing cardio before weight training has helped me improve my performance during weight training and increase my fat loss. I usually do 20-30 minutes of cardio before weight training, and I have noticed a significant improvement in my energy levels and the effectiveness of my workouts.
Question and Answer
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 is essential to prioritize your fitness goals and choose the workout routine that best supports your goals. If you prefer to do both on the same day, do cardio before weight training to avoid muscle damage and a higher risk of injury.
Q: How much cardio should I do after weight training?
A: It is best to avoid doing cardio after weight training to avoid fatigue, muscle damage, and a higher risk of injury. If you prefer to do cardio and weight training on the same day, do cardio before weight training and aim for 20-30 minutes.
Q: Can doing cardio after weight training help with fat loss?
A: Doing cardio after weight training can lead to a decrease in muscle mass, which can hinder fat loss goals. It is best to prioritize weight training and do cardio on separate days or before weight training to maximize fat loss.
Q: How can I avoid muscle damage when doing cardio after weight training?
A: It is best to avoid doing cardio after weight training to avoid muscle damage. If you prefer to do both on the same day, do cardio before weight training to avoid muscle damage and a higher risk of injury.
Conclusion of What Happens If I Do Cardio After Weight Training
In conclusion, doing cardio after weight training can lead to fatigue, a higher risk of injury, decreased effectiveness of weight training, and a decrease in muscle mass. It is essential to prioritize your fitness goals and choose the workout routine that best supports your goals. If you prefer to do cardio and weight training on the same day, do cardio before weight training to avoid muscle damage and maximize fat loss.
