Are you someone who hits the treadmill or stationary bike before lifting weights? If so, you may be hindering your progress in the weight room. While cardio is an important part of any fitness routine, doing it before lifting weights can actually do more harm than good.
Pain Points
Many people believe that doing cardio before weights will help them warm up and prevent injury. However, this is not always the case. In fact, doing cardio before weights can lead to fatigue and decreased performance during weightlifting exercises. Additionally, it can cause your body to use up valuable glycogen stores, which are needed for weightlifting.
Answering the Target
The main reason why doing cardio before weights is not recommended is because it can affect your performance during weightlifting exercises. When you do cardio first, your body uses up glycogen stores, which are a source of energy for your muscles. When you go to lift weights, your muscles may not have enough energy to perform at their best, leading to decreased performance and potentially even injury.
Additionally, cardio can cause fatigue, which can also affect your ability to lift weights properly. While cardio is important for overall health and fitness, it is best to save it for after your weightlifting session or on separate days.
Summary
Doing cardio before weights can lead to fatigue, decreased performance, and using up valuable glycogen stores needed for weightlifting. It is best to save cardio for after your weightlifting session or on separate days.
Why Not to Do Cardio Before Weights - Personal Experience
As a personal trainer, I have seen many clients come in and immediately jump on the treadmill or bike before lifting weights. While their intentions are good, I always advise them to switch up their routine. I have also experienced this myself. When I do cardio before weights, I feel tired and weak during my weightlifting session. However, when I save cardio for after my weights or on separate days, I feel more energized and have better performance in the weight room.
If you are hesitant to drop cardio before weights from your routine, try switching it up and doing weights first for a few weeks. You may be surprised at the difference it can make!
Why Not to Do Cardio Before Weights - Science Behind It
Research has shown that doing cardio before weights can lead to decreased performance during weightlifting exercises. A study published in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research found that when participants did cardio before lifting weights, their muscle strength and power decreased significantly compared to when they did weights first.
Additionally, doing cardio first can cause your body to use up glycogen stores, which are needed for weightlifting. A study published in the Journal of Applied Physiology found that doing cardio before weights caused a decrease in muscle glycogen levels, which led to decreased performance during weightlifting exercises.
Why Not to Do Cardio Before Weights - Effects on Weight Loss
While cardio is often associated with weight loss, doing it before weights may not be the best approach. When you do cardio before weights, your body uses up glycogen stores, which are a source of energy for your muscles. This can lead to decreased performance during weightlifting exercises, which can ultimately hinder your weight loss progress.
Additionally, weightlifting can actually help you lose weight by increasing muscle mass and boosting your metabolism. When you have more muscle mass, your body burns more calories at rest, which can lead to greater weight loss over time.
Why Not to Do Cardio Before Weights - Alternatives
If you still want to incorporate cardio into your fitness routine, try doing it after your weightlifting session or on separate days. This will allow your body to use glycogen stores for weightlifting and ensure that you have enough energy to perform at your best. Additionally, you can try high-intensity interval training (HIIT), which combines cardio and weightlifting exercises to maximize your workout in a shorter amount of time.
Why Not to Do Cardio Before Weights - Q&A
Q: Can doing cardio before weights lead to injury?
A: Yes, doing cardio before weights can lead to fatigue and decreased performance during weightlifting exercises, which can increase your risk of injury.
Q: How does doing cardio before weights affect muscle glycogen levels?
A: Doing cardio before weights can cause your body to use up valuable glycogen stores needed for weightlifting, which can lead to decreased performance during weightlifting exercises.
Q: Is it better to do cardio before or after weightlifting for weight loss?
A: It is generally better to do weightlifting before cardio for weight loss. Weightlifting can help increase muscle mass and boost your metabolism, leading to greater weight loss over time. Additionally, doing cardio after weightlifting ensures that your body has enough energy to perform at its best during weightlifting exercises.
Q: Can I still do cardio and weightlifting on the same day?
A: Yes, you can still do cardio and weightlifting on the same day. However, it is best to save cardio for after your weightlifting session or on separate days to ensure that your body has enough energy to perform at its best during weightlifting exercises.
Conclusion of Why Not to Do Cardio Before Weights
While cardio is an important part of any fitness routine, doing it before lifting weights can actually do more harm than good. It can lead to fatigue, decreased performance, and using up valuable glycogen stores needed for weightlifting. To maximize your results, try doing weights first or on separate days, and save cardio for after your weightlifting session.
