weight before cardio or vice versa

[irwin46]

HI... i used to be an advid exerciser and i would always run for an hour than lift weights. i am going back to the gym for the 1st time today since september and recently someone mentioned to me i should lift 1st but she did not have any explanation why. i was just curious if any one does both and in what order. i have alot to lose in a little time (stupid stupid me ordered my bridesmaid dress 2 sizes too small, and yes, on purpose) and i need to utilize every minute. thank you!!!

[Alexa]

Re: weight before cardio or vice versa

Hi Angela,

I would normally say if you haven't exercised for a while to get back into it any way you find ok - small, gradual and whatever interests you.

However, if time is tight I would say go for cardio and weights. Cardio will burn the fat and make the most of ketosis, and weights will make you more of a fat burning machine all the time - as you build muscle. Weights will also make you look more toned and make your cardio more effective.

I would recommend a weights class (like bodypump if you can find a class near you or in your gym) as a great way to learn the ropes and get toned relatively quickly.

How long til the wedding in question? If it is really close cardio may be best in the short term to slim down.

[irwin46]

Re: weight before cardio or vice versa

thank you for responding.. my 1st dress fitting is the second week of april. im definately going to do both, but do you think i should do cardio like the first hour, then lift for 30 minutes?

or start my workout by lifting for 30 then running for an hour? im wasnt sure what would be better.

[Legend]

Re: weight before cardio or vice versa

Why not hit the weigths for 45min followed by cardio for 45 minutes? Weight lifting first makes sense, because if you are lifting intensely you need your energy AND focus to be able to get the most out of your session. Cardio second, because after a workout, your body is already in a "burn" state. Plus, there is no need for strict concentration or massive energy for riding a bike/treadmill/stepper....

[julirama723]

Re: weight before cardio or vice versa

Lift first, cardio second.

If you're doing a combo day, the focus of your workout should be weights, and you want to make sure you have energy and stamina to do it properly. When we're tired, it's harder to maintain correct form.

Do a quick warmup (5-10 minutes of something to get the muscles limber, like walking, running, or stationary bike), then lift, then if you have energy left, do a little cardio. My question is this: wouldn't it be better to do serious weightlifting as the focus of one day, and serious running be the focus of the next? That way you're giving muscles a chance to rest and you can really give it your all with whatever you're doing.

Also, think about HIIT for cardio--you get a better workout in a shorter amount of time.

Maybe make out a schedule like this:

Day 1--upper body weights
Day 2--HIIT
Day 3--lower body weights
Day 4--running (or other cardio)
Day 5--upper body weights
Day 6--HIIT
Day 7--rest

Week two starts with weights, but with lower body first.