Are you one of those people who finish their weight training and hit the door? Well, you are not alone in this. Many people do not realize the importance of cardio after weight training. In fact, doing cardio after weight training can help you achieve your fitness goals faster and more efficiently. In this post, we will discuss the benefits of cardio after weight training and how it can help you get in shape.
The Pain Points
When you finish your weight training, your muscles are fatigued and your body is in a catabolic state. This means that your body is breaking down muscle tissue to use as energy. If you do not do cardio after weight training, your body will continue to break down muscle tissue for energy instead of burning fat. This can lead to a loss of muscle mass and a slower metabolism.
The Target of Cardio After Weight Training
The target of cardio after weight training is to burn fat while preserving muscle mass. Cardio after weight training helps to switch your body from a catabolic state to an anabolic state. This means that your body is building muscle tissue instead of breaking it down. Cardio after weight training also helps to improve your cardiovascular health and endurance.
Now, let's dive into the benefits of cardio after weight training:
Benefits of Cardio After Weight Training
1. Burns More Calories: Doing cardio after weight training helps to burn more calories as your body is already in a fat-burning state. This helps you to achieve your weight loss goals faster.
2. Improves Cardiovascular Health: Cardio after weight training helps to improve your cardiovascular health and endurance. It helps to strengthen your heart, lungs, and blood vessels.
3. Helps to Preserve Muscle Mass: Cardio after weight training helps to switch your body from a catabolic state to an anabolic state. This means that your body is building muscle tissue instead of breaking it down.
4. Increases Metabolism: Doing cardio after weight training helps to increase your metabolism. This means that your body will continue to burn calories even after you finish your workout.
My Personal Experience with Cardio After Weight Training
When I first started weight training, I used to skip cardio after my workout. However, I realized that I was not seeing the results that I wanted. I started doing cardio after weight training and noticed a significant difference in my body composition. I was able to burn fat while preserving muscle mass. I also noticed an improvement in my cardiovascular health and endurance.
How Much Cardio Should You Do After Weight Training?
The amount of cardio you should do after weight training depends on your fitness goals. If your goal is to lose weight, you should do at least 20-30 minutes of cardio after weight training. If your goal is to improve your cardiovascular health, you should do at least 30-45 minutes of cardio after weight training. Remember to start slowly and gradually increase the duration and intensity of your cardio workouts.
What are the Best Cardio Workouts After Weight Training?
The best cardio workouts after weight training are those that are low-impact and do not put a lot of stress on your joints. Some of the best cardio workouts after weight training include:
- Walking
- Swimming
- Cycling
- Elliptical Training
- Rowing
Tips for Doing Cardio After Weight Training
1. Start Slowly: Start with a low intensity and gradually increase the duration and intensity of your cardio workouts.
2. Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water before, during and after your cardio workout.
3. Stretch: Remember to stretch before and after your cardio workout to prevent injuries.
4. Wear Comfortable Clothes: Wear comfortable clothes and shoes that are suitable for your cardio workout.
Conclusion of Cardio After Weight Training
Cardio after weight training is an essential part of your overall fitness routine. It helps to burn fat while preserving muscle mass, improves your cardiovascular health, and increases your metabolism. Remember to start slowly and gradually increase the duration and intensity of your cardio workouts. Also, remember to stay hydrated, stretch and wear comfortable clothes. Incorporating cardio after weight training into your fitness routine can help you achieve your fitness goals faster and more efficiently.
Question and Answer
Q. Can I do cardio before weight training?
A. It is not recommended to do cardio before weight training as it can drain your energy levels and affect your weight training performance.
Q. Can I do cardio on rest days?
A. Yes, you can do cardio on rest days. However, it is important to give your body enough rest and recovery time.
Q. How many days a week should I do cardio after weight training?
A. It depends on your fitness goals. If your goal is to lose weight, you should do cardio after weight training at least 3-4 times a week. If your goal is to improve your cardiovascular health, you can do cardio after weight training up to 5-6 times a week.
Q. Can I do cardio after every weight training session?
A. Yes, you can do cardio after every weight training session. However, it is important to listen to your body and not overdo it as it can lead to injuries.
