Working out is a great way to improve your physical health and overall well-being. However, if you’re like many people, you may wonder what the best way is to structure your workouts for optimal results. One common question is: what does cardio after weights do?
If you’ve ever felt exhausted after a weight training session and wondered if you should skip the cardio, or if you’ve ever finished your cardio and felt too fatigued to lift weights, you’re not alone. Many people wonder if doing cardio after weights is effective, or if it will sabotage their muscle-building efforts.
So, what does cardio after weights do? Essentially, cardio after weights is a way to improve your cardiovascular health while also enhancing your muscular endurance. By doing cardio after lifting weights, you can help your body burn more calories, improve your stamina, and boost your overall fitness level.
In summary, cardio after weights can help you:
- Burn more calories
- Improve your cardiovascular health
- Boost your stamina
- Enhance your muscular endurance
Personal Experience with Cardio After Weights
As someone who enjoys lifting weights and doing cardio, I’ve experimented with different workout structures to see what works best for me. One approach that I’ve found to be effective is doing cardio after lifting weights.
For example, on days when I’m doing a full-body weight training session, I’ll typically start with a 10-15 minute warm-up on the elliptical or treadmill. Then, I’ll move on to my weight training routine, which typically lasts about an hour. After I finish my weights, I’ll do an additional 20-30 minutes of cardio, either on the same machine or a different one.
I’ve found that doing cardio after weights helps me feel more energized and helps me burn more calories overall. It also helps me feel like I’ve maximized my workout time, since I’m getting both strength and cardio benefits in a single session.
The Benefits of Cardio After Weights
There are many benefits to doing cardio after lifting weights. One key advantage is that it can help you burn more calories overall, since your body will be in a state of heightened metabolic activity after your weight training session. This means that you’ll continue to burn calories even after you finish your workout, which can help you achieve your weight loss or fitness goals more quickly.
Another benefit of cardio after weights is that it can help improve your cardiovascular health. By getting your heart rate up after your weight training session, you’ll be challenging your heart and lungs to work harder, which can help improve your overall fitness level.
Cardio after weights can also help improve your muscular endurance. By challenging your muscles with weights and then following up with cardio, you’re helping to build both strength and stamina. This can help you feel more capable and confident in your physical abilities, whether you’re working out or engaging in other physical activities.
How to Incorporate Cardio After Weights into Your Workout Routine
If you’re interested in trying cardio after weights, there are a few things you can do to make it work for you. Here are some tips:
- Start with a warm-up: Before you begin your weight training session, spend 5-10 minutes doing some light cardio to warm up your muscles and get your heart rate up.
- Choose the right machines: Consider using machines that work different muscle groups than the ones you targeted in your weight training session. For example, if you did a lot of upper body work, try using a stationary bike or rowing machine for your cardio.
- Be mindful of your energy levels: If you’re feeling extremely fatigued after your weight training session, it’s okay to skip the cardio or do a shorter session. Listen to your body and adjust your workout as needed.
FAQs About Cardio After Weights
Q: Will cardio after weights make me lose muscle?
A: No, doing cardio after weights will not make you lose muscle. However, if you’re not eating enough protein or calories to support your muscle-building goals, you may not see the muscle gains you’re hoping for.
Q: How long should I do cardio after weights?
A: The length 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 low to moderate intensity cardio after your weight training session.
Q: Should I do cardio before or after weights?
A: While there is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, many fitness experts recommend doing weights before cardio, since lifting weights requires more energy and focus. However, if you prefer doing cardio first, you can still get a good workout as long as you’re not too fatigued for your weight training session.
Q: How often should I do cardio after weights?
A: The frequency of your cardio sessions will depend on your fitness level and goals. However, if you’re looking to improve your cardiovascular health and burn more calories, aim for 2-3 cardio sessions per week after your weight training sessions.
Conclusion of What Does Cardio After Weights Do
In conclusion, doing cardio after weights is an effective way to improve your overall fitness level, burn more calories, and enhance your cardiovascular health and muscular endurance. By incorporating cardio into your weight training routine, you can achieve your fitness goals more quickly and efficiently.
