Weightraining first or cardio first? or seperete days?

[Mon86]

What do you think?

I am asking because on fitness.com forums, some say cardio first, some say cardio after, and some say seperate days. In monday/wednesday morning college body conditioning/physical fitness class, we do cardio for 25 minutes in the morning and then do weightraining. If a college class always does cardio first, then it is correct that cardio is first and then weightraining?

I want to know the pro's and con's of each and if it's best to put those on seperate days. I can still run 1 very fast mile on the treadmill to warm up legs before weightraining though if its a good thing. For me - I have always done cardio first before weightraining, but I rather get advice, do what is safe, healthy, and what is best for the muscles. Whatever it takes for the muscles to stay healthy and refrain from injury/overtraining

[sameey70]

You may hear differently, but it absolutely does not matter, whatever your preference is. Warm up before you do either.

[Jonny]

Its probably best to keep cardio (i.e. long or intense efforts) and weight lifting separate if you can. If however, you do decide to do both on the same day you should do weight training first. The prime reason for this is simply because you will need to be fully alert while working under such a high intensity. If you are not, you will always run the risk of underperforming or injury.

Agree that warming up correctly before any form of exercise is vitally important. If you are doing weights warm-up by running for around 5mins then perform dynamic exercises that specifically target the muscle group(s) you intend to work. For example, perform squats and lunges without weights before you embark on a legs routine.

[swanso5]

oooohhh johnny that was good...most valid point i've seen here for a while (warming up specific movements)...cardio 1st or 2nd? depending on goals probably...just make sure your wt training isn't being comproised from cardio fatigue if doing 1st

[SarahPT]

There is no clear cut answer as to what is best. Most often I recommend doing them on separate days, or separate times of the day. I believe that each workout should have you at your best. If doing them together is the only feasible option, I more often recommend weights first, but doing cardio first isn't a terrible thing. You can have a sports drink or small snack in between to help you perform better.

Very good points above on warming up.

Sarah

[cassiegirl]

i think you should just do at least 30 minutes of cardio a day, maybe only like, 5-6 days a week. and strength training everyday. Beyonce does 40 minutes of running a day, as well as strength training everyday but sunday.

[swanso5]

bouyance also has time to kill for recovery a chef/dietician who also prepears her meals specificly for what she does everyday...not real world type of stuff...i don't train 7 day a week and i'd like tro think i'm pretty advanced...i don't do any cardio what so ever though

[SarahPT]

i think you should just do at least 30 minutes of cardio a day, maybe only like, 5-6 days a week. and strength training everyday. Beyonce does 40 minutes of running a day, as well as strength training everyday but sunday.

Weight training should not be done every day, despite what a famous person claims they do. Resting muscles and allowing them to recover is as important as working them.

Sarah