Are you someone who is always confused about what to do first – cardio or weights? Well, you are not alone. It is one of the most common questions that people ask in the fitness world. In this article, we will help you understand what should go first cardio or weights and why.
When it comes to cardio and weight training, there are different opinions and beliefs. Some people believe that cardio should come first, while others think that weight training should be done before cardio. The confusion arises because both types of exercises have their benefits, and people want to make the most of them.
The answer to the question of what should go first cardio or weights is simple – it depends on your fitness goals. If you are looking to build muscle and strength, you should start with weight training. On the other hand, if you want to improve your cardiovascular endurance, you should begin with cardio.
In summary, there is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of what should go first cardio or weights. It depends on your fitness goals and what you want to achieve. However, in general, if you are looking to build muscle and strength, start with weight training, and if you want to improve your cardiovascular endurance, begin with cardio.
Benefits of Starting with Cardio
If you are someone who wants to improve their cardiovascular endurance, starting with cardio is the way to go. When you do cardio first, you increase your heart rate, which helps to improve blood flow to your muscles. This increased blood flow means that your muscles get more oxygen and nutrients, which can lead to better performance during your weight training session.
Personally, I love doing cardio first because it helps me warm up and get into the right mindset for my weight training session. I feel energized and ready to tackle any challenge that comes my way.
Benefits of Starting with Weight Training
If you are someone who wants to build muscle and strength, starting with weight training is the way to go. When you start with weight training, your muscles are fresh and not tired from cardio. This means that you can lift heavier weights and do more reps, which leads to better muscle growth and strength gains.
Personally, I like to start with weight training because it helps me focus on my goals and what I want to achieve. I love the feeling of lifting heavy weights and seeing the progress I am making in my strength gains.
Additional Tips
Here are some additional tips to keep in mind when deciding what should go first cardio or weights:
- Always warm up before your workout, regardless of what you start with.
- Don't overtrain – listen to your body and take rest days when needed.
- Vary your workouts to prevent boredom and plateaus.
- Combine cardio and weight training for maximum benefits.
How to Combine Cardio and Weight Training
If you want to combine cardio and weight training, here are some ways to do it:
- Do a circuit workout that combines cardio and weight training exercises.
- Alternate between cardio and weight training days throughout the week.
- Add cardio intervals to your weight training routine.
- Do a cardio warm-up before your weight training and a cardio cool-down after.
My Personal Experience
Personally, I like to start with a cardio warm-up before my weight training session. I usually do 10-15 minutes of cardio to get my heart rate up and warm up my muscles. Then, I move onto my weight training session, where I focus on building muscle and strength.
After my weight training session, I like to do a cardio cool-down to help my body recover and prevent muscle soreness. I usually do 10-15 minutes of low-intensity cardio, such as walking on a treadmill or cycling on a stationary bike.
Question and Answer
Q: Should I do cardio or weights first if my goal is to lose weight?
A: Both cardio and weight training are important for weight loss. However, if you are short on time, start with weight training. Lifting weights helps to build muscle, which increases your metabolism and helps you burn more calories throughout the day.
Q: How long should I do cardio before weight training?
A: You should do enough cardio to warm up your body and get your heart rate up. This can be anywhere from 5-15 minutes, depending on your fitness level and goals.
Q: Can I do cardio and weight training on the same day?
A: Yes, you can do cardio and weight training on the same day. However, make sure to space them out and give your body time to recover between sessions.
Q: Should I do high-intensity cardio or low-intensity cardio before weight training?
A: It depends on your fitness level and goals. High-intensity cardio is great for improving cardiovascular endurance and burning calories, while low-intensity cardio is better for warming up your muscles and preventing injury.
Conclusion of What Should Go First Cardio or Weights
In conclusion, whether you should start with cardio or weights depends on your fitness goals. If you want to build muscle and strength, start with weight training, and if you want to improve your cardiovascular endurance, begin with cardio. Remember to warm up before your workout, vary your exercises, and listen to your body. By combining cardio and weight training, you can achieve maximum benefits and reach your fitness goals.
