Are you someone who starts your workout with a 30-minute run on the treadmill before hitting the weights? Or maybe you’ve been told that doing cardio before lifting weights will help you burn more fat? Whatever the reason may be, it’s time to put an end to this bad habit. In this blog post, we’ll explain why cardio before weights is bad and why you should avoid it at all costs.
Have you ever experienced feeling tired and fatigued during your weightlifting session? Or maybe you’ve noticed that you’re not able to lift as heavy as you normally do? These are just some of the pain points that come with doing cardio before lifting weights. Not only does it affect your performance, but it can also lead to an increased risk of injury.
The main target of why is cardio before weights bad is that it can deplete your energy levels. Doing cardio beforehand will use up your glycogen stores, which is your body’s main source of fuel. This means that when you start lifting weights, you won’t have enough energy to perform at your best. As a result, you’ll experience a decrease in strength and endurance.
In summary, doing cardio before weights is bad because it can lead to fatigue, decreased performance, and an increased risk of injury. It’s important to prioritize your weightlifting session before cardio to ensure that you have enough energy to perform at your best.
Why is Cardio Before Weights Bad: Targeting Energy Levels
Before I learned about the negative effects of doing cardio before weights, I used to run on the treadmill for 20 minutes before lifting weights. I thought it was a great way to warm up and burn some extra calories. However, I quickly realized that this habit was affecting my performance in the weight room.
When I started lifting weights, I noticed that I wasn’t able to lift as heavy as I normally do. I also felt more fatigued and had to take more breaks in between sets. It wasn’t until I did some research that I learned about the importance of energy levels when it comes to weightlifting.
When you do cardio before weights, your body uses up its glycogen stores, which is your main source of fuel. This means that when you start lifting weights, you won’t have enough energy to perform at your best. As a result, you’ll experience a decrease in strength and endurance.
If you’re someone who wants to improve their performance in the weight room, prioritize your weightlifting session before cardio. This way, you’ll have enough energy to lift heavier weights and perform more reps.
Why is Cardio Before Weights Bad: Targeting Injury Risk
Another reason why cardio before weights is bad is that it can increase your risk of injury. When you do cardio before lifting weights, your muscles are already fatigued, which means that they’re more prone to injury.
For example, let’s say you start your workout with a 30-minute run on the treadmill. When you’re done, you head over to the weight room and start lifting weights. Since your muscles are already fatigued from the cardio, you’re more likely to experience muscle strains, sprains, or even tears.
If you want to reduce your risk of injury during your weightlifting session, prioritize your weightlifting session before cardio. This way, your muscles will be fresh and ready to lift heavier weights.
Why is Cardio Before Weights Bad: Targeting Fat Loss
One of the reasons why people do cardio before weights is that they believe it will help them burn more fat. However, this is a common misconception. While cardio does burn more calories than weightlifting, weightlifting helps you build lean muscle mass, which in turn helps you burn more calories throughout the day.
When you lift weights, your body burns calories not only during your workout but also after your workout. This is known as the afterburn effect, where your body continues to burn calories at a higher rate even when you’re not exercising.
So, if you want to burn more fat and calories, prioritize your weightlifting session before cardio. This way, you’ll be building lean muscle mass, which will help you burn more calories throughout the day.
How to Prioritize Weightlifting Before Cardio
Now that you know the negative effects of doing cardio before weights, how can you prioritize your weightlifting session before cardio? Here are some tips:
- Start your workout with a 5-10 minute warm-up that includes dynamic stretching.
- Do your weightlifting session first, focusing on your heavier lifts.
- Finish your workout with a 10-15 minute cardio session.
By following these tips, you’ll ensure that your muscles are fresh and ready to lift heavier weights. You’ll also be able to perform at your best and reduce your risk of injury.
Question and Answer
Q: Is it okay to do cardio after lifting weights?
A: Yes, it’s okay to do cardio after lifting weights. In fact, it’s recommended to do a cool-down cardio session after your weightlifting session to help your body recover.
Q: How long should I wait after lifting weights to do cardio?
A: You should wait at least 30 minutes after lifting weights to do cardio. This will give your muscles enough time to recover before doing cardio.
Q: Can I still do cardio on my rest days?
A: Yes, you can still do cardio on your rest days. However, it’s important to listen to your body and not overdo it. Make sure to give your body enough rest and recovery time.
Q: Is it bad to skip cardio altogether?
A: No, it’s not bad to skip cardio altogether. While cardio has its benefits, it’s not necessary for everyone. If you enjoy weightlifting and don’t enjoy cardio, it’s okay to skip it.
Conclusion of Why is Cardio Before Weights Bad
In conclusion, doing cardio before weights is bad because it can lead to fatigue, decreased performance, and an increased risk of injury. It’s important to prioritize your weightlifting session before cardio to ensure that you have enough energy to perform at your best. By following the tips mentioned in this blog post, you’ll be able to perform at your best and reduce your risk of injury.
