Should You Do Cardio Before or After Your Workout?
Both cardio and strength training are key components to a well balanced fitness routine. But which workout style should come first in your workout routine? The answer to this question lies in what your fitness goals are. Keep reading to learn which workout style you should prioritize in order to maximize the results you are looking to achieve.
Cardio: Build Endurance
If you are focused on building your aerobic endurance, it is best to start off your workout routine with that focus in mind. For example, if you are training for an endurance event such as a race, you should focus on your body's aerobic capacity, or its ability to transport and use oxygen.
Consistent cardio training will improve your aerobic capacity over time, and therefore the strength of your heart and lungs. The more you train, the easier it will be for your body to get oxygen to your working muscles while engaging in aerobic endurance activities such as swimming, biking and running.
Weight Room: Build Strength and Power
If your fitness goal is to gain muscle, improve your body composition, or to feel stronger in your day to day life, you should prioritize strength training over cardio training in your daily workout routine.
If your main priority is building muscle but you plan on incorporating both cardio and strength training into a single workout session, start off by hitting the weights and then move to the treadmill so that you can channel most of your energy into what is most important to you during your workout.
Switch it Up!
If you care about both strength training and cardio exercise equally, try switching up the order in which you practice both types of physical activity.
By incorporating both strength training and cardio into your workout routine, you will undoubtedly benefit from well-rounded physical activity. If this sounds like you, include both types of exercise into your workout routine by choosing versions of that exercise that you most enjoy.
Tip: Try to dedicate entire workout sessions to either strength or cardio training to see results faster. If you prefer to include both strength and cardio training in your workouts, switch up which workout you start with.
Not Sure? Start with Your Priority
If you aren't sure whether to start with strength training or cardio in your workout routine, identify your priority that will help you to reach your fitness goals and move forward with that in mind.
Click the button below to learn how to identify your personal fitness goals and make tangible progress on your fitness journey.
