Are you someone who loves hitting the gym for a weightlifting session followed by some cardio but is confused about how long you should do cardio after weight lifting? Many gym-goers have this question, and it's essential to get a clear answer to avoid any harm to your body. In this article, we will discuss the optimal time for cardio after weight lifting.
Cardiovascular exercise is a great way to burn calories and improve your cardiovascular health, and weightlifting can help build muscle and increase strength. However, the order in which you do these two types of exercises can have a significant impact on your workout's effectiveness.
The ideal time for cardio after weight lifting is about 20 to 30 minutes. This time range is optimal because it allows your body to utilize the energy stored in your muscles for weight lifting and then switch to burning fat during the cardio session. Doing cardio for more than 30 minutes after weight lifting can lead to muscle fatigue and prevent muscle growth, which is not ideal for bodybuilders or people looking to build muscles.
To summarize, doing cardio after weight lifting is an excellent way to burn calories and improve your cardiovascular health, but it's crucial to keep it to 20-30 minutes to avoid muscle fatigue and promote muscle growth.
My Experience with How Long Cardio After Weight Lifting
When I first started going to the gym, I struggled to find the right order of exercises that would suit my body. I would do cardio for an hour after weight lifting and noticed that my muscles were not growing as much as I wanted them to. After consulting with my trainer, I realized that I was doing cardio for too long, which was causing muscle fatigue.
Now, I do cardio for 20-30 minutes after weight lifting, and I've seen a significant improvement in my muscle growth and overall fitness level.
The Science Behind How Long Cardio After Weight Lifting
After weight lifting, your body's glycogen stores are depleted, and there is a need for energy to repair and rebuild muscles. By doing cardio after weight lifting, your body gets its energy from stored fat. However, doing cardio for too long can lead to muscle fatigue and prevent muscle growth. Therefore, it's essential to keep your cardio session short and within the 20-30 minute range.
Tips for an Effective Cardio After Weight Lifting Session
To make the most of your cardio after weight lifting session, here are some tips:
- Keep it short and sweet: As discussed earlier, keep your cardio session between 20-30 minutes.
- Choose your cardio wisely: Pick a cardio exercise that will work your whole body, such as running, cycling, or rowing.
- Don't forget to stretch: Stretching helps prevent injury and soreness after a workout.
How to Incorporate Cardio and Weight Lifting into Your Workout Routine
If you're new to working out or looking to switch up your routine, here's how you can incorporate cardio and weight lifting into your workout routine:
- Start with weight lifting: Begin your workout with weight lifting to build muscle and strength.
- Follow up with cardio: After weight lifting, do 20-30 minutes of cardio to burn calories and improve cardiovascular health.
- Alternate days: If you're short on time, alternate days between weight lifting and cardio.
FAQs about How Long Cardio After Weight Lifting
Q. Can I skip cardio after weight lifting?
A. While cardio after weight lifting is beneficial, it's not mandatory. If you're short on time, focus on weight lifting or alternate between cardio and weight lifting days.
Q. Can I do cardio before weight lifting?
A. Doing cardio before weight lifting can lead to muscle fatigue, which can prevent you from lifting weights effectively. Therefore, it's best to do weight lifting before cardio.
Q. How many days a week should I do cardio after weight lifting?
A. The number of days you should do cardio after weight lifting depends on your fitness level and goals. However, it's recommended to do cardio after weight lifting 2-3 times a week.
Q. Can I do cardio and weight lifting on the same day?
A. Yes, you can do cardio and weight lifting on the same day. However, it's essential to keep your cardio session short and after weight lifting.
Conclusion of How Long Cardio After Weight Lifting
In conclusion, doing cardio after weight lifting is an excellent way to burn calories and improve cardiovascular health. However, it's essential to keep your cardio session short, between 20-30 minutes, to avoid muscle fatigue and promote muscle growth. Remember to listen to your body and adjust your workout routine accordingly.
