Are you one of those gym-goers who is confused about whether to do cardio after weights or before? Do you wonder if cardio after weights is good or bad? This topic can be confusing for many, but don't worry because we've got you covered. In this guide, we'll discuss if cardio after weights is good and the benefits of doing so.
Cardio after weights is a common practice among gym-goers. Many fitness enthusiasts tend to perform cardio after lifting weights to burn extra calories and lose weight. The main goal of cardio after weights is to increase the heart rate and boost metabolism, which leads to more efficient fat burning.
So, is cardio after weights good? The answer is yes! Cardio after weights can be a great way to burn extra calories and lose weight, especially if your goal is to get lean. It can also help you to cool down after a strength training session, reduce post-workout soreness, and improve your cardiovascular health.
My Personal Experience with Cardio After Weights
As a fitness enthusiast, I always perform cardio after lifting weights. In my experience, cardio after weights helps me to burn extra calories, and it also helps me to cool down after a strength training session. I also feel less soreness in my muscles when I do cardio after weights. However, I would recommend that you try different timings and see what works best for you.
The Benefits of Cardio After Weights
Cardio after weights has numerous benefits that include:
- Burns extra calories
- Boosts metabolism
- Reduces post-workout soreness
- Improves cardiovascular health
Burns Extra Calories
Cardio after weights can be a great way to burn extra calories. During a strength training session, you burn calories, but you continue to burn calories after your workout because of the afterburn effect. By performing cardio after weights, you can extend the afterburn effect and burn more calories overall.
Boosts Metabolism
Another benefit of cardio after weights is that it boosts your metabolism. Performing cardio after lifting weights can increase your heart rate, which leads to more efficient fat burning. Additionally, it can help you to build lean muscle mass, which helps to increase your basal metabolic rate (BMR).
Tips for Doing Cardio After Weights
If you're planning to do cardio after weights, here are some tips that can help you:
- Choose low-impact cardio exercises
- Start slow and gradually increase intensity
- Hydrate yourself before and after the workout
- Perform a cool-down routine after your workout
FAQs about Cardio After Weights
Q1. How long should I wait to do cardio after weights?
A1. You should wait at least 20-30 minutes after lifting weights before doing cardio. This allows your body to recover from the strength training session.
Q2. Is it better to do cardio before or after weights?
A2. The order of cardio and weights depends on your fitness goal. If your goal is to build strength and muscle, you should do weights before cardio. If your goal is to burn fat and lose weight, you should do cardio after weights.
Q3. How often should I do cardio after weights?
A3. You can do cardio after weights 2-3 times a week, depending on your fitness goal and schedule.
Q4. What are the best cardio exercises to do after weights?
A4. The best cardio exercises to do after weights are low-impact exercises like cycling, swimming, and walking on a treadmill.
Conclusion of Is Cardio After Weights Good
Cardio after weights is a great way to burn extra calories, boost metabolism, and improve cardiovascular health. It can also help you to cool down after a strength training session and reduce post-workout soreness. However, the order of cardio and weights depends on your fitness goal. If your goal is to build strength and muscle, you should do weights before cardio. If your goal is to burn fat and lose weight, you should do cardio after weights. Remember to start slow and gradually increase intensity, and don't forget to hydrate yourself before and after the workout.