5 replies to this topic

[Dejah]

5 weeks ago I started on a rigorous excerise program where I work out everyday, however I'm curious as to one thing... I've heard that doing weight training before cardio is better to build muscle strength and also heard the opposite of doing weight training after cardio..

Which is better or does either way give you different benefits?

[cmt489]

When I was seeing a personal trainer, he wanted me to do at least some cardio before weights so that I was properly warmed up. You will likely be able to do more weights if you do them after a light cardio workout than a heavy one since you will not be as fatigued. With respect to cardio after weights, you may not be able to do your cardio as intensely, however, you have to remember that it is about heart rate and not how fast or hard you do your cardio. Finally, keep in mind that you should not be doing weights everyday as your body needs time to heal.

[intotheblue]

What CMT said... but with some addenda...

A lot depends on your objectives. (most) Body builders say to weight train first, then cardio, (other than a warm up, that is). You may want to weight train most days, but split up your workouts by muscle group. Some rigorously train each area with several days rest in between, and do different groups on different days. While cardio is very important, if you are hoping to boost your metabolism and lose weight, you will want to perform strength training too.

I only have two days a week to work out regularly so I do at least an hour of cardio and then strength training that runs at least an hour, no more than a minute rest in between sets, usually just long enough between excercises to set up. I plan on other activities to round out my workouts on the weekend, whether it's dancing with my church singles group or diving on weekends. The motivation for my exercise is overall health and the ability to run the boat 30 - 50 miles out on consecutive days when things work out that well, and being able to dive while out. Nutrition will be very important with the workouts.

What are your real goals in working out?

ITB

Gee, I got busy and almost forgot to send!

[Oceanseleven]

5 weeks ago I started on a rigorous excerise program where I work out everyday, however I'm curious as to one thing... I've heard that doing weight training before cardio is better to build muscle strength and also heard the opposite of doing weight training after cardio..

Which is better or does either way give you different benefits?

I would stick with your first assumption that doing weight training before cardio is better for building muscle. If you weight train after doing cardio ( not refering to warming up cardio ) you have already used up much of your carbohydrates and will not have much left with which to use for weight training. Your weight workouts will be much less intense and you won't get the full benefit of the exercises. Also one the reasons many people, especially body builders, do cardio after weight training besides the reason above is that after their weight training they've used up most of their carbs already; so when they do their cardio there's not many carbs to burn so their body starts to burn stored fat instead. The type of cardio and the intensity is also an important factor but that's the basic idea.

[Dejah]

Thanks everyone for the great insight on this.. I feel as though I'm definatly on the right track with my excerise program.

As for my goals, mostly to become physically fit and more healthy.

[maninthesea]

Whichever you decide is best, here is a little diveing twist for you. The other day I was reading in a british dive magazine (Diver I belive) about a study that found that DCS risk was lowered by Heavy exersize 20-24 hours before a dive. Any more than 24 and there was no appreciable affect less than 20 and it goes from no change to more succeptable.
Cheers Jim