TommyGavin 790 Posted May 6, 2006 is it best to do cardio before or after you do weights ? (help settle a bet) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
naomi 356 Posted May 6, 2006 After, I was going to say it just seems right but found this. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ROBOKOP 0 Posted May 6, 2006 You can do cardio before weights; but it should be nothing more than a warmup (10 minutes). Prolonged cardio will tire you out and make an ineffective weight training regimen. You might not feel tired, but completing your cardiovascular routine before weight training will substantially deplete your energy stores (Glycogen) needed to complete a proper weight training program. This means that although you can get it done, your energy to get those last few (important) reps in will not be there. Glycogen- the main form of carbohydrate storage in animals and occurs primarily in the liver and muscle tissue. It is readily converted to glucose as needed by the body to satisfy its energy needs Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TommyGavin 790 Posted May 6, 2006 THAT explains why I am fat. I've been working out the wrong way for 10 years ! Thanks Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
shovelheadt 71 Posted May 6, 2006 It would seem that after would have the added bonus of stretching after your weight training. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
D_House 0 Posted May 6, 2006 if you are at the beginning of a workout plan, honestly, it doesn't matter, do whatever is easier and more natural, it'll help you get into it. Later on, you want to save real energy for your lifts, so do cardio after. This will have a twofold affect: you will be less fatigued for your weightlifting, so you will gain strenght; and you will be moving around after lifting, getting the blood flowing so you can lose some of the lactic acid and soreness from the lift. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Cdub100 3,903 Posted May 6, 2006 The answer is..... get ready for it.... It depends on what your goal is. If you're looking to burn fat and lose weight then a good cardio work out for 20-30 minutes before you work out is your goal. You won't be able to life as much, but putting on bulk isn't your goal If you're at your target weight and don't want to lose muscle then you do it after words when you're all ready tired. The reason for that is you use your energy to lift weights so you can go heavier. Other wise you're burning yourself out before you even get to the weights. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
D_House 0 Posted May 6, 2006 The answer is..... get ready for it.... It depends on what your goal is. If you're looking to burn fat and lose weight then a good cardio work out for 20-30 minutes before you work out is your goal. You won't be able to life as much, but putting on bulk isn't your goal If you're at your target weight and don't want to lose muscle then you do it after words when you're all ready tired. The reason for that is you use your energy to lift weights so you can go heavier. Other wise you're burning yourself out before you even get to the weights. yeah what he said. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cgod 0 Posted May 6, 2006 Interesting little blurb there naomi. I always did the cardio first to warm-up and whatnot without ever thinking about how it helped or hindered my body in terms of fat and glycogen burn. Will be interesting to try it the other way around. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TommyGavin 790 Posted May 6, 2006 yeah well I've always thought it was the way cdub said it and for that exact reason. I've been just trying to get and keep the weight off and be healthy - so more importance on cardio. Yeah I enjoy the lifting program but I'm not lookin to look like Arnold. That said I might give it a shot the other way. (not the edger way ie:the gay way) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites