Cardio Workouts Then Resistance Training

When it comes to maximizing the benefits of your workout routine, the order in which you perform exercises can make a significant difference. One common debate in the fitness community is whether to do cardio before or after resistance training. While both approaches have their merits, there is compelling evidence to suggest that performing cardio after resistance training can yield better results. In this blog post, we will explore the reasons why cardio workouts are more effective after resistance training and how this sequence can enhance your fitness journey.

1. Enhanced Fat Burning

One of the primary reasons to perform cardio after resistance training is the enhanced fat-burning potential. During resistance training, your body depletes its glycogen stores, which are the primary source of energy for high-intensity exercises. Once these stores are depleted, your body turns to fat as its next source of energy. By doing cardio after resistance training, you can tap into these fat stores more effectively, leading to greater fat loss.

2. Improved Muscle Preservation

Another advantage of doing cardio after resistance training is the preservation of muscle mass. Resistance training stimulates muscle growth and strength, but performing cardio before lifting weights can lead to muscle fatigue and reduced performance during your strength workout. By saving cardio for after your resistance training, you ensure that your muscles are fresh and capable of lifting heavier weights, which promotes muscle growth and preservation.

3. Increased Endurance and Stamina

Cardio workouts are excellent for improving cardiovascular health and endurance. When you perform cardio after resistance training, you are already in a fatigued state, which can help improve your stamina and endurance over time. This approach challenges your cardiovascular system to work harder, leading to better overall fitness and endurance levels.

4. Enhanced Recovery

Light Cardio for Recovery

Performing light to moderate cardio after resistance training can aid in recovery. Cardio helps increase blood flow to the muscles, which can reduce muscle soreness and speed up the recovery process. This is particularly beneficial if you engage in high-intensity resistance training sessions that leave your muscles feeling sore and fatigued.

5. Better Hormonal Response

The sequence of resistance training followed by cardio can also have a positive impact on your hormonal response. Resistance training increases the production of anabolic hormones like testosterone and growth hormone, which are essential for muscle growth and repair. When you follow up with cardio, it can help maintain these elevated hormone levels, further enhancing muscle growth and recovery.

6. Improved Mental Focus

Starting your workout with resistance training can help improve your mental focus and concentration. Lifting weights requires a high level of mental engagement to maintain proper form and technique. By performing resistance training first, you can ensure that you are fully focused and energized for the most demanding part of your workout. Once you transition to cardio, you can maintain a steady pace without the need for intense mental focus.

7. Greater Caloric Burn

Combining resistance training with cardio in a single workout session can lead to a greater overall caloric burn. Resistance training elevates your heart rate and metabolism, and when followed by cardio, it can keep your heart rate elevated for an extended period. This combination results in a higher caloric expenditure, making it an effective strategy for weight loss and fat burning.

8. Enhanced Workout Efficiency

For those with limited time to work out, performing cardio after resistance training can be a more efficient use of time. By combining both types of exercises in one session, you can achieve a comprehensive workout that targets both strength and cardiovascular fitness. This approach eliminates the need for separate workout sessions, making it easier to stick to your fitness routine.

Conclusion

Incorporating cardio after resistance training offers numerous benefits, from enhanced fat burning and muscle preservation to improved endurance and recovery. By following this sequence, you can maximize the effectiveness of your workouts and achieve your fitness goals more efficiently. Whether you are aiming for weight loss, muscle growth, or overall fitness, performing cardio after resistance training is a strategy worth considering. Give it a try and experience the positive impact on your fitness journey.

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