Are you wondering why cardio after workout is important? Do you want to know the benefits of doing cardio after lifting weights? If yes, then you’re in the right place. In this article, we’ll discuss why cardio after workout is beneficial and how it can help you achieve your fitness goals.
Many people believe that lifting weights alone is enough to achieve their fitness goals. However, this is not entirely true. While lifting weights can help you build muscle and strength, cardio after workout can help you burn fat, improve your cardiovascular health, and increase your endurance.
The primary target of doing cardio after workout is to burn more calories. When you do cardio after lifting weights, your body uses stored fat as fuel instead of using the glycogen stored in your muscles. This leads to faster fat loss, and you can achieve your fitness goals faster.
In summary, cardio after workout is essential because it helps you burn fat, improve your cardiovascular health, and increase your endurance. Doing cardio after lifting weights is an effective way to achieve your fitness goals, and it’s highly recommended by fitness experts.
Benefits of Cardio After Workout
When I started working out, I used to skip cardio after lifting weights. I thought that lifting weights alone would be enough to achieve my fitness goals. However, I noticed that I wasn’t losing fat as fast as I wanted to. That’s when I started doing cardio after workout, and I noticed a significant difference in my body composition.
Cardio after workout has several benefits. Firstly, it helps you burn more calories. When you do cardio after lifting weights, your body uses stored fat as fuel instead of using the glycogen stored in your muscles. This leads to faster fat loss, and you can achieve your fitness goals faster.
Secondly, cardio after workout improves your cardiovascular health. Cardiovascular exercise strengthens your heart and lungs, and it can help you reduce your risk of heart disease, stroke, and other chronic diseases.
Thirdly, cardio after workout increases your endurance. When you do cardio after lifting weights, you’re training your body to work harder and for longer periods. This can help you perform better during other physical activities, such as running or sports.
How to Do Cardio After Workout
If you’re new to cardio after workout, it’s essential to start slowly and gradually increase the intensity of your workouts. You can start with 10-15 minutes of low-intensity cardio, such as walking on a treadmill or cycling. Then, gradually increase the duration and intensity of your cardio workouts.
It’s recommended to do cardio after lifting weights for at least 20-30 minutes. However, the duration and intensity of your cardio workouts depend on your fitness level and goals.
Tips for Doing Cardio After Workout
Here are some tips to keep in mind when doing cardio after workout:
1. Hydrate yourself before and after your workout.
2. Eat a nutritious meal or snack before your workout.
3. Wear comfortable and breathable workout clothes.
4. Choose a cardio activity that you enjoy, such as running, cycling, or swimming.
5. Vary your cardio workouts to avoid boredom and to challenge your body.
FAQs
Q1. Is it better to do cardio before or after lifting weights?
A1. It’s better to do cardio after lifting weights because it helps you burn more fat and improve your cardiovascular health.
Q2. How often should I do cardio after workout?
A2. It depends on your fitness level and goals. However, it’s recommended to do cardio after lifting weights at least 2-3 times a week.
Q3. Can I do cardio on rest days?
A3. Yes, you can do cardio on rest days. However, it’s essential to listen to your body and not overdo it.
Q4. What are some cardio exercises I can do after lifting weights?
A4. Some cardio exercises you can do after lifting weights include running, cycling, swimming, rowing, and jumping jacks.
Conclusion
In conclusion, cardio after workout is essential for achieving your fitness goals. It helps you burn fat, improve your cardiovascular health, and increase your endurance. By following the tips mentioned in this article, you can incorporate cardio after lifting weights into your fitness routine and achieve your fitness goals faster.
