Are you someone who hits the treadmill before picking up any weights at the gym? Did you know that you could be hindering your muscle-building efforts by doing so? In this blog post, we will discuss why you should not do cardio before weight training and how it affects your body.
Many people make the mistake of performing cardio before weight training, thinking it will help them warm up and get their heart rate up. However, doing so can have several negative consequences on your body and your workout.
The primary reason why you should not do cardio before weight training is that it can exhaust your body and reduce your energy levels. When you perform cardio, your body uses up a lot of glycogen, which is the stored form of glucose in your muscles. This glycogen is needed to fuel your muscles during weight training, and if it is depleted, you will not be able to lift as heavy or perform as many reps.
In summary, you should not do cardio before weight training because it can deplete your energy levels and hinder your muscle-building efforts. Instead, focus on warming up with a few light exercises specific to the muscle group you will be working on and save the cardio for after your weight training session.
How Cardio Before Weight Training Affected My Workout
As someone who used to do cardio before weight training, I noticed that I was not able to lift as heavy or perform as many reps as I wanted to. I also felt exhausted and drained before I even started my weight training session. It was not until I switched my routine and started doing weight training first that I noticed a significant improvement in my strength and endurance.
The Science Behind Why You Should Not Do Cardio Before Weight Training
As mentioned earlier, doing cardio before weight training can deplete your glycogen stores, which are needed to fuel your muscles during weight training. In addition, performing cardio can also increase the levels of cortisol in your body, which is a stress hormone that can break down muscle tissue and hinder muscle growth. On the other hand, weight training can increase your testosterone levels, which is a hormone that promotes muscle growth and recovery.
Alternatives to Cardio Before Weight Training
If you are used to doing cardio before weight training and want to switch up your routine, some alternatives include:
- Doing a few light exercises specific to the muscle group you will be working on
- Foam rolling or stretching to warm up your muscles
- Starting with lighter weights and gradually increasing the weight as you go
How to Incorporate Cardio into Your Workout Routine
While it is not recommended to do cardio before weight training, you can still incorporate cardio into your workout routine. One way to do this is to perform cardio after your weight training session, when your body has already used up most of its glycogen stores. Another option is to do cardio on separate days from your weight training sessions.
My Personal Experience with Switching My Cardio and Weight Training Routine
As someone who used to do cardio before weight training, I noticed a significant improvement in my strength and endurance when I switched my routine. By doing weight training first, I was able to lift heavier weights and perform more reps. I also felt more energized and focused during my workout, which helped me push through each exercise.
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 recommended to do weight training first and cardio after to avoid depleting your glycogen stores.
Q: How long should I wait to do cardio after weight training?
A: It is recommended to wait at least 20-30 minutes after weight training before doing cardio. This will give your body enough time to use up most of its glycogen stores.
Q: Can I still lose weight if I do weight training before cardio?
A: Yes, you can still lose weight if you do weight training before cardio. Weight training helps build muscle, which can increase your metabolism and help you burn more calories throughout the day.
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 you are looking to lose weight, it is recommended to do at least 20-30 minutes of cardio. If you are looking to improve your cardiovascular health, you can do up to an hour of cardio.
Conclusion of Why You Should Not Do Cardio Before Weight Training
In conclusion, you should not do cardio before weight training because it can deplete your energy levels and hinder your muscle-building efforts. Instead, warm up with a few light exercises specific to the muscle group you will be working on and save the cardio for after your weight training session. By doing so, you can optimize your workout and achieve your fitness goals more effectively.
