Cardio or Strength Training: Which Should You Do First?
If you’ve ever wondered whether to start with cardio or strength training, you’re not alone! The order of your workout can impact your results, depending on your fitness goals. While both forms of exercise are essential for overall health, choosing the right sequence can help you maximize your performance and reach your objectives faster. Let’s break it down so you can train smarter and achieve the best results.
When to Do Cardio First
If your goal is to improve endurance or train for a race, doing cardio first is the way to go. Prioritizing cardiovascular exercises ensures that you have maximum energy to push through your run, cycling session, or HIIT workout.
Benefits of Cardio First:
Enhances endurance and stamina
Burns more calories upfront
Prepares the body for an active workout
When to Do Strength Training First
If your goal is to build muscle, gain strength, or improve body composition, strength training should come first. Lifting weights requires full effort, and you don’t want to be fatigued from an intense cardio session beforehand.
Benefits of Strength Training First:
Maximizes strength and muscle gains
Prevents fatigue from cardio affecting form
Boosts metabolism for longer calorie burn
What If Your Goal is Weight Loss?
If fat loss is your priority, both approaches can work. Strength training builds muscle, which increases your resting metabolism, while cardio helps burn calories during the workout. You can even alternate between starting with cardio and strength training to keep your body challenged and prevent plateaus.
Pro Tip:
For maximum fat loss, consider combining both in a circuit-style workout. This way, you keep your heart rate elevated while engaging in resistance training, leading to increased calorie burn and muscle activation.
Final Tips
The best order depends on your fitness goals:
Cardio first for endurance and stamina.
Strength training first for muscle building and strength.
Mix it up for balanced fitness and fat loss.
Most importantly, listen to your body, stay consistent, and choose a workout routine that keeps you motivated. No matter which one you start with, the key to success is sticking with a plan that aligns with your goals. Keep moving, stay dedicated, and enjoy the journey to better fitness!
