Readers Respond: When Do You Do Your Cardio?

Responses: 7

Aerobic training or cardio is generally accepted as an integral part of fitness training, although some individuals in the weight training community don't agree that cardio like running, jogging or cycling is necessary. Can weights do it all?

When do you do your cardio -- before or after weights at the gym, or perhaps on a separate day?

wsdads

i agree with the above poster. the biggest thing is making sure you are eating and drinking right. the biggest problem i had when i first started was finding too many contradicting information, so i just started my own routine/plan while overweight to see what would work best for me. the key is sticking to it for months and seeing if you are getting what you want out of it

—Guest cvxd

regarding weights and Cardio

yes your right their is so much contraversy regarding weights and cardio as for me I do 2 and sometimes 3 good weight training workouts a week but for me Cardio I see as my just fun like swimming and cycling etc. find what works for you their is no hard set rules and your body will tell you what's best for you!

—robhingston

regarding weights and Cardio

yes your right their is so much contraversy regarding weights and cardiofo as for me I do 2 and sometimes 3 good weight training workouts a week but for me Cardio I see as my just fun like swimming and cycling etc. find what works for you their is no hard set rules and your body will tell you what's best for you!

—robhingston

Cardio After Weights

I always make it a point to do some cardio after the weight training to help flush out any rsidual lactic acid in the muscle tissue. My understanding is that the residual lactic acid is responsible (for the most part) for the soreness that follows the next day. It works for me.

—Guest T_Guy

Everybody has a way.

I prefer cardio prior to lifting.. here are my main reasons. -Good warmup, prior to heavy compound freeweight lifting. I think its harder to hurt yourself this way because you are somewhat drained. -Prior to workout I take in protein, some simple and complex carbs, aminos, vitamins, etc.. I want these circulating in my blood prior to heavy lifting. I estimate that pills take as long as an hour to dissolve and absorb into the blood. by the time I hit the power rack I'm ready. One of the more important things of cardio before heavy lifting is this: hydrate with electrolytes, and waxy maize or other fast acting carbs. keep drinking you mix through out the entire weightlifting session. And dont forget the post workout carb/protein/amino/creatine refuel. ,

—Guest akfred

Response to order of cardio vs lifting

Although there are different opinions, it is very important to take each with a grain of salt. The author of this article has based his logic on certain assumptions. Different workouts may/will have a different outcome. As far as safety is concerned, it is important to understand that while lifting after a cardio workout, it can be just as if not more dangerous especially if your lifting routine includes heavy free-weight activities. I would agree to separate cardio from lifting if possible especially if those workouts are rigorous and long. As the other reader comment, it is important to stick with your workout for a long enough time to see results. Bottom line is that it comes down to #'s, fuel in must be less than calories consumed in order to lose weight. Good luck!

—Guest liftguy

Who knows...

There is so much contraversy regarding weights and cardio it will make your head spin. My advice is unfortunately trial and error. Nothing is going to happen overnight regardless and most people will quit way before they will work to see results. I did do cardio before weights and it made me considerably weaker going into the weight session, also really dampens your mindset. I like to lift heavy and keep the intensity up. When I am done, some low to moderate cardio to finish up. Your body is not going to eat up your muscle, cardio will burn glycogen and fat before it burns muscle. Post nutrition is essential and I take in Creatine, dextrose and protein. Your body does repairs after intense training, so really either way would have no consequense unless you are living your life in the gym and getting little rest. Also, it takes months to see results, but I can tell you one thing... visiting forums will ruin your outlook. Lot's of opinions and no real advice. Best of luck.

—Guest Machine1975