When you go to the gym, do you think it’s better to start your training with cardio or weight training?
You’re in the gym getting ready for the ultimate workout. When you go to the gym, the first question that comes to mind is what to do. Cardio or weight training?
Opinions abound in the world of fitness, and a cadre of experts has come forward to decipher the best exercise routines for fitness success.
According to Claudette Salyer, a New York City-based fitness coach and personal trainer, planning your workout is extremely important. Saliya emphasizes that this structure has a huge impact on your overall results and alignment with your fitness goals.
The Department of Health and Human Services recommends 150 minutes of moderate physical activity combined with two strength-strengthening sessions per week. However, trying to fit both cardio and strength training into a busy schedule presents challenges.
but please wait a moment.
Before we get into the workout, Sariya has an important warning about the often-neglected warm-up. “You should always start with a light warm-up to get blood and oxygen to your muscles,” she advises.
When it comes to the main event, the consensus among fitness experts is clear: start with weight training and end with cardio. Danny King, a Lifetime certified personal trainer, emphasizes the importance of conserving glycogen, a sugar stored in muscles that is essential for weightlifting performance.
“When you first do cardio, you deplete some of your glycogen and have less energy, which makes lifting weights more difficult,” explains King.
Saliya agrees, stressing that pre-fatiguing your muscles with intense cardio before weight training can detract from your lifting experience.
However, the order of your training plan is not a one-size-fits-all approach. It depends on your fitness goals. King says, “What you do first takes precedence, both in terms of your body’s total energy and your available time.”
Barry’s instructor, Elle Wermuth, provides a fresh perspective while emphasizing the importance of doing what motivates you the most. “Any movement is beneficial to the mind and body…The more you enjoy any workout, the more you will get out of it and the more you will be able to truly give your 100% effort into it.” ” she suggests.
So the next time you find yourself at the crossroads between cardio and weight training, remember that understanding your goals and letting your motivation be your guide is key.
If you want the perfect workout, the choice is yours. What do you prioritize in your fitness journey?