Should you do aerobics before or after weight training? With so much conflicting information, choosing what’s best for your fitness goals can be challenging. This article compares cardio before and after a workout to help you decide.
There are two primary forms of physical activity: aerobic exercise, also known as cardiovascular exercise, and strength training. Both types offer unique benefits for overall health and fitness. Whether you’re pressed for time or aiming to optimize your workout, you may be wondering whether it’s best to perform cardio before or after your strength training session. The solution in each case depends on your objectives.
Cardio Before a Workout
A lot of people choose to do cardio before they work out. Here are some potential benefits and drawbacks to consider:
Benefits
Improved warm-up
Cardio can help get your heart rate up and get more blood to your muscles, which can help you warm up better and make you less likely to get hurt.
Increased calorie burn
If you do cardio before you lift weights, you can burn more calories during your workout, which can help you reach your weight loss goals.
Reduced fatigue
Some people find that doing cardio before lifting weights helps them feel less tired and lets them lift weights better.
Drawbacks
Reduced energy for weightlifting
Too much cardio before weight training can leave you too tired to lift large weights or provide your whole effort during your workout.
Increased risk of injury
Injuries are more likely to happen if cardio is done right before a workout when a person is already tired and hasn’t warmed up adequately.
Reduced strength gains
Doing cardio beforehand has been shown to impede strength improvements and decrease the amount of weight you can lift.
Cardio After a Workout
After a workout, a lot of people want to do some cardio. Some potential advantages and disadvantages are listed below:
Benefits
Improved recovery
Doing cardiovascular exercise after weightlifting has been shown to enhance blood flow, assist recovery by removing lactic acid from the muscles, and lessen muscle discomfort.
Increased fat burn
When you combine weight training with cardio, your body will be forced to use its fat stores as fuel, allowing you to lose more weight.
Reduced interference
Cardio after weightlifting is less likely to impede strength increases and muscle growth than cardio before weightlifting.
Drawbacks
Increased fatigue
Engaging in cardiovascular exercise immediately following a weightlifting session can prove to be quite difficult, and there is a chance that you may feel thoroughly depleted as a result.
Increased time commitment
Adding cardio at the conclusion of your workout can be a major time commitment. Especially if you are already pressed for time.
Reduced calorie burn
Although cardio performed after weight training may increase fat loss. It may not be as efficient for calorie burning in general as cardio performed prior to weight training.
