Losing weight can be a challenging journey, especially when it comes to deciding which exercises to do. One common question that many people ask is whether they should do cardio after lifting to lose weight. In this article, we will explore the benefits and drawbacks of this approach and provide some tips on how to make the most out of your workout routine.
If you're struggling to lose weight, you're not alone. Many people find it difficult to shed those extra pounds, and it can be frustrating to see little progress despite your efforts. One of the most common pain points when it comes to weight loss is figuring out which exercises to do and when. Should you focus on cardio, strength training, or a combination of both? And is it better to do cardio before or after lifting weights?
The target of doing cardio after lifting is to burn more calories and fat. When you lift weights, you burn calories during the exercise itself, but you also continue to burn calories for hours after your workout as your body repairs and rebuilds muscle tissue. However, lifting weights alone may not be enough to achieve significant weight loss. That's where cardio comes in. By doing cardio after lifting, you can further increase your calorie burn and help promote fat loss.
In summary, doing cardio after lifting can be an effective way to lose weight and burn more calories. However, it's important to approach this approach with caution and make sure that you're doing it correctly to avoid injury or burnout.
My Personal Experience with Doing Cardio After Lifting
As someone who has been trying to lose weight for years, I've experimented with many different workout routines to find what works best for me. One approach that I've found to be effective is doing cardio after lifting weights. I usually start with a 30-45 minute lifting session, focusing on compound exercises that work multiple muscle groups at once. Then, I'll finish off with some cardio, either on the treadmill or the elliptical.
By doing cardio after lifting, I've noticed that I can push myself harder during my lifting sessions, knowing that I have a cardio session to follow. I've also seen a significant improvement in my endurance and cardiovascular health, which has helped me to improve my overall fitness level.
The Benefits of Doing Cardio After Lifting
There are several benefits to doing cardio after lifting, including:
Increased calorie burn: By doing cardio after lifting, you can increase your overall calorie burn and promote weight loss. This is because cardio exercises like running or cycling burn more calories than lifting weights alone.
Improved cardiovascular health: Cardio exercises are great for improving your heart health, reducing your risk of heart disease, and improving your overall fitness level.
Reduced muscle soreness: Doing cardio after lifting can help to reduce muscle soreness by increasing blood flow to your muscles and flushing out lactic acid.
Tips for Doing Cardio After Lifting
If you're planning to do cardio after lifting, here are some tips to keep in mind:
Start slow: If you're new to lifting or cardio, start slow and gradually increase the intensity and duration of your workouts over time.
Choose the right cardio exercises: Choose cardio exercises that you enjoy and that work for your fitness level. Walking, running, cycling, and swimming are all great options.
Stay hydrated: Make sure to drink plenty of water before, during, and after your workout to stay hydrated.
How to Incorporate Cardio into Your Lifting Routine
If you want to incorporate cardio into your lifting routine, here are some tips:
Plan ahead: Plan your workout ahead of time to make sure you have enough time to fit in both lifting and cardio.
Warm-up properly: Before you start lifting, make sure to warm up properly to prevent injury. This can include some light cardio exercises like jumping jacks or jogging in place.
Focus on compound exercises: Focus on compound exercises that work multiple muscle groups at once, like squats, deadlifts, and bench presses. This will help you to burn more calories and build muscle faster.
Conclusion of Should I Do Cardio After Lifting to Lose Weight
Overall, doing cardio after lifting can be an effective way to burn more calories and promote weight loss. However, it's important to approach this approach with caution and make sure that you're doing it correctly to avoid injury or burnout. By following the tips outlined in this article, you can incorporate cardio into your lifting routine and achieve your weight loss goals.
Question and Answer
Q: How long should I do cardio after lifting?
A: The duration of your cardio session will depend on your fitness level and goals. However, a good rule of thumb is to aim for 20-30 minutes of cardio after lifting.
Q: Is it better to do cardio before or after lifting?
A: It's generally better to do cardio after lifting, as this can help to increase your overall calorie burn and promote weight loss.
Q: Can I do cardio and lifting on the same day?
A: Yes, you can do cardio and lifting on the same day. However, it's important to plan your workouts carefully and give your muscles time to rest and recover between sessions.
Q: How often should I do cardio after lifting?
A: The frequency of your cardio sessions will depend on your fitness level and goals. However, aim to do cardio after lifting 2-3 times per week to start, and gradually increase the frequency over time.
