Are you someone who hits the treadmill right after lifting weights? Do you feel like you are getting the most out of your workout by doing it this way? Unfortunately, this is not the case. In fact, it could be hurting your progress. Read on to find out why.
Have you ever felt exhausted after a workout, and wondered why you aren't seeing any results? This could be because you are doing cardio after weights. Doing cardio after lifting weights can cause several issues, including decreased muscle growth, increased risk of injury, and decreased energy levels.
The target of this article is to educate readers on why you should not do cardio after weights. By doing so, you can prevent injury, improve your energy levels, and maximize your muscle growth.
In summary, cardio after weights is not recommended because it leads to decreased muscle growth, increased risk of injury, and decreased energy levels. Instead, try doing cardio on separate days or at least a few hours after your weightlifting session to achieve optimal results.
Decreased Muscle Growth
When you do cardio after weights, you are depleting your energy reserves, which reduces your overall ability to perform during weightlifting. This means that you will not be able to lift as much weight or perform as many reps as you would if you were doing cardio on a separate day. As a result, your muscle growth will be reduced.
Personally, I used to do cardio after weights because I thought it was the best way to achieve my fitness goals. However, I noticed that my muscles were not growing as much as I wanted them to, despite putting in a lot of effort.
Increased Risk of Injury
When you do cardio after weights, your muscles are already fatigued, and you may not have proper form during your cardio workout. This can lead to injury, as well as decreased performance during weightlifting. Additionally, doing cardio after weights can cause your body to lose proper alignment, leading to joint pain and complications.
I remember when I used to do cardio after weights, I would feel a lot of pain in my knees and lower back. It wasn't until I stopped doing cardio after weights that I realized this pain had been caused by improper alignment during my cardio sessions.
Decreased Energy Levels
When you do cardio after weights, your body is already depleted of energy reserves, making it harder to perform your cardio workout. This can lead to decreased energy levels throughout the day, as well as decreased performance during weightlifting. In addition, it can cause you to feel lethargic and unmotivated to continue with your workout regimen.
How to Optimize Your Workout
The best way to optimize your workout is to do cardio on separate days or at least a few hours after your weightlifting session. This will give your body enough time to recover and replenish energy reserves. Additionally, it will help prevent injury and maximize your muscle growth.
Conclusion of Why You Should Not Do Cardio After Weights
Avoiding cardio after weights can greatly improve your workout regimen by increasing muscle growth, preventing injury, and improving energy levels. As a result, try to plan your cardio sessions on separate days or at least a few hours apart from your weightlifting sessions. By doing so, you can achieve optimal results and prevent setbacks in your fitness journey.
Question and Answer
Q: Can I do cardio before lifting weights?
A: Yes, doing cardio before lifting weights is recommended because it can help warm up your muscles and improve performance during your weightlifting session.
Q: How long should I wait after lifting weights to do cardio?
A: It's recommended to wait at least a few hours after lifting weights to do cardio. This allows your body enough time to recover and replenish energy reserves.
Q: Can doing cardio after weights lead to muscle loss?
A: Yes, doing cardio after weights can lead to muscle loss because it depletes your energy reserves, making it harder to perform at your best during your weightlifting session.
Q: What are some good cardio exercises to do on separate days from weightlifting?
A: Some good cardio exercises to do on separate days from weightlifting include running, swimming, cycling, and HIIT workouts.
