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View Full Version : Aerobic then resistance or other way 'round?



TsPoet
05-24-2010, 12:45 PM
I've always done aerobic (jogging or cycling) then lifted wieghts. I find if I try to do it the other order, I'm dead tired and my aerobic suffers. On the other hand, doing aerobic after a good weight workout often means I'll be less sore 2 days later rather than more.

ny biker
05-24-2010, 12:56 PM
Either/neither, so none of the above.

These days I usually only have time for one or the other on a given day. If I have time I will squeeze in some cardio after weight training.

When I used to do both in one session on a regular basis, I think I usually did cardio first. Although sometimes I might have done cardio after weights, because my trainer told me you burn fat more efficiently that way. Or maybe you burn more calories. I can't remember, it was years ago.

GLC1968
05-24-2010, 02:12 PM
Depends on your goals. If you are in it to build muscle, do the weights first so that you are fresh and can lift effectively. If you are shooting for cardio improvement, do the cardio first so that you aren't too tired from weight lifting to meet your training goals.

Perosnally, I always liked doing the weights first because I hated being a sweaty mess when using gym equipment. Plus, I liked how the cardio helped me loosen up my muscles after the fact and reduce DOMS.

OakLeaf
05-24-2010, 04:18 PM
What GLC said.

Catrin
05-24-2010, 04:23 PM
What GLC and Oakleaf said :) I have also found that I just do not do as well with the weights if I do cardio prior to strength training.

limewave
05-25-2010, 04:39 AM
I would say, if I had to squeeze them both into one workout, I'd probably mix it up. Start with 15 minutes of cardio to get all warm and loose, then do the weights, followed by the remainder of my cardio workout. Or do circuit training with the cardio mixed in. I'm no expert.

My usual routine is to do my strength training early in the AM. And then do my cardio workout later in the day or that night.

OakLeaf
05-25-2010, 04:54 AM
If your resistance training is sport-focused (strengthening the small stabilizer muscles), then do your run or ride first, following the general rule of large muscle groups before small. Less chance of injury due to stabilizer fatigue when you do your sport, and less likelihood that you'll cheat on your strength training when the large muscle groups are already well fatigued.