Are you someone who regularly hits the gym and is confused about when to do cardio? Do you want to know whether it is cardio better before or after strength training? If yes, then you have come to the right place. In this blog post, we will discuss the pros and cons of doing cardio before or after strength training and help you make an informed decision.
When it comes to fitness, there are always doubts and questions that linger in our minds. One such question is whether to do cardio before or after strength training. There are various opinions on this topic, and it can be confusing for someone who is just starting. However, the answer to this question depends on your fitness goals, body type, and workout routine.
The simple answer to this question is that both have their benefits. Doing cardio before strength training can help warm up your muscles and increase your heart rate, which can lead to a better workout. On the other hand, doing cardio after strength training can help burn more calories and fat as your body is in a fat-burning state after a workout.
Now that we know the basics let's take a look at the pros and cons of doing cardio before or after strength training.
Cardio before strength training
Personally, I prefer doing cardio before strength training. It helps me warm up my muscles and get my heart rate up. This means that my body is ready for the workout, and I can push myself further. Here are some pros and cons of doing cardio before strength training:
Pros:
1. Warm-up: Doing cardio before strength training can help warm up your muscles and prepare them for the workout.
2. Increased heart rate: Cardio can increase your heart rate, which can lead to a better workout.
3. Endurance: Cardio can help build endurance, which can help you push yourself further during strength training.
Cons:
1. Fatigue: Doing cardio before strength training can lead to fatigue, which can affect your strength training performance.
2. Decreased strength: Cardio can deplete your glycogen levels, which can lead to decreased strength during your workout.
Cardio after strength training
Cardio after strength training is a popular option among fitness enthusiasts. It helps burn more calories and fat as your body is in a fat-burning state after a workout. Here are some pros and cons of doing cardio after strength training:
Pros:
1. Fat burning: Doing cardio after strength training can help burn more calories and fat as your body is in a fat-burning state.
2. Increased metabolism: Cardio can help increase your metabolism, which can lead to more calorie burning.
3. Endurance: Cardio can help build endurance, which can help you push yourself further during your workout.
Cons:
1. Decreased intensity: Doing cardio after strength training can lead to decreased intensity, which can affect your cardio performance.
2. Overtraining: Doing too much cardio after strength training can lead to overtraining, which can affect your overall fitness goals.
Which is better?
Now that we have discussed the pros and cons, it's time to answer the burning question - which is better? The answer is - it depends on your fitness goals and workout routine. If you want to warm up your muscles and get your heart rate up, then cardio before strength training is the way to go. On the other hand, if you want to burn more calories and fat, then cardio after strength training is the way to go.
Conclusion
So, is cardio better before or after strength training? The answer is that both have their benefits, and it depends on your fitness goals and workout routine. At the end of the day, it's important to find a routine that works for you and stick to it. Remember to listen to your body and make changes as needed. Happy exercising!
Question and Answer
Q: Can I do cardio and strength training on the same day?
A: Yes, you can do cardio and strength training on the same day. However, it's important to prioritize your goals and schedule your workouts accordingly.
Q: How much cardio should I do before or after strength training?
A: The amount of cardio you should do before or after strength training depends on your fitness goals and workout routine. It's important to find a balance that works for you and stick to it.
Q: Should I do cardio before or after weight lifting?
A: It depends on your fitness goals and workout routine. If you want to warm up your muscles and get your heart rate up, then cardio before weight lifting is the way to go. On the other hand, if you want to burn more calories and fat, then cardio after weight lifting is the way to go.
Q: Is it okay to skip cardio?
A: Yes, it's okay to skip cardio. However, cardio has many benefits, such as improving heart health, increasing metabolism, and reducing stress. So, it's important to find a routine that works for you and stick to it.
