Should Strength Training be Done Before Cardio?

James Dove
Written By James Dove

Understanding the Benefits of Strength Training

Strength training is an excellent way to improve your overall health and fitness. It targets specific muscle groups and helps to build them up through repetitive exercises. It also increases bone density, which can help prevent osteoporosis. Additionally, strength training can improve your metabolism, which means you’ll burn more calories throughout the day even when you’re at rest.

The Benefits of Resistance Training

Resistance training, also known as strength training, is a type of exercise that focuses on building muscle mass and strength. Some of the many benefits of resistance training include:

  • Improved muscle strength and endurance
  • Increased bone density
  • Improved flexibility and balance
  • Reduced risk of injury
  • Increased metabolism and calorie burning
  • Improved cardiovascular health

Strength training is an excellent way to improve your physical health, but should you do it before cardio, or after?

The Case for Cardio First

Benefits of Cardio

Cardiovascular exercise, or cardio, is any type of exercise that increases your heart rate and respiration. Some of the many benefits of cardio include:

  • Improved cardiovascular health
  • Increased lung capacity and oxygen uptake
  • Lowered risk of chronic diseases
  • Reduced stress and anxiety
  • Increased calorie burning

Doing Cardio before Strength Training

Some fitness experts recommend doing cardio before strength training. Doing cardio first can help to warm up your muscles and get you ready for the more intensive strength training exercises. By doing cardio first, you’ll also burn more calories during your workout, which can help with weight loss goals.

The Case for Strength Training First

Benefits of Strength Training

Strength training can help to build muscle mass and improve overall strength. Some of the many benefits of strength training include:

  • Increased muscle mass and strength
  • Improved bone density
  • Reduced risk of injury
  • Improved posture and balance
  • Increased metabolism and calorie burning

Doing Strength Training before Cardio

Some fitness experts recommend doing strength training before cardio. The idea behind this is that strength training requires a lot of energy and focus, and doing it first ensures that you have enough energy to complete the exercises properly. Additionally, strength training can be more effective when your muscles are fresh and not fatigued from cardio exercise.

The Verdict

So, should you do strength training before cardio, or cardio before strength training? The answer is, it depends on your goals and preferences.

If your main goal is to improve cardiovascular health, then doing cardio before strength training may be the best option for you. On the other hand, if you’re looking to build muscle mass and improve overall strength, then doing strength training before cardio may be the better choice.

Ultimately, the most important thing is that you find a workout routine that works for you and that you enjoy. Consistency is key when it comes to achieving your fitness goals, so find a routine that you can stick to over the long term.

Tips for a Successful Workout

No matter when you decide to do strength training or cardio, there are some tips you can follow to ensure a successful workout:

  • Warm up properly before starting your workout
  • Use proper form and technique when performing exercises
  • Start with lighter weights and build up gradually
  • Rest for at least 24 hours between strength training sessions to allow your muscles to recover
  • Stay hydrated throughout your workout
  • Listen to your body and avoid pushing yourself too hard

By following these tips and finding a workout routine that works for you, you can achieve your fitness goals and improve your overall health and well-being.