Fitness
Is It Better To Do Cardio Before Or After Strength Training?
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Fitness
Is It Better To Do Cardio Before Or After Strength Training?
Here's how to maximize your workouts, according to a fitness expert.
Whether you’re a fan of fast-paced high-intensity interval training (HIIT) or you simply don’t have time to parcel out different workouts throughout the week, there are lots of reasons why you might combine your strength and cardio sessions.
“Combining them into one session is time-efficient and can improve overall fitness,” says Victoria Nigro, the manager of fitness training and performance at Sweat & Tonic in Toronto.
For most, this style of workout is effective. Your body works to support heart health and maintain muscle mass while boosting endurance.
But the dual-focused strategy often leaves fitness buffs wondering whether it’s better to start out a workout with cardio or weights.
The short answer? It depends on your fitness goals.
If you’re focused on building muscle, Nigro suggests starting with strength training. “Your muscles will be fresh, helping you lift heavier with proper form,” she says.
Read more: Here's Why You Should Strength Train As You Get Older
If cardiovascular endurance is at top of mind, such as for training for a race, start with cardio.
“Doing strength before cardio might make your cardio session feel harder because your muscles are already fatigued, but it won’t harm your endurance training long term unless your cardio goal is highly specific,” says Nigro.
She suggests aiming for two to four strength and cardio sessions a week, either at the same time or spaced out. Try to incorporate at least one recovery day between working the same muscle groups, and mix up your workouts for best results.
Overall, “the best approach is the one you’ll stick to consistently, and that supports your personal goals and lifestyle,” says Nigro.
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