Strength Training vs. Cardio

[SimplyScarlet]

So here is my question: Should you do strength training or cardio first when you start your workout? Or does it not make any difference as long as you get it done?

I was at the gym today and I did my usual thing which is strength training and then my cardio. A guy that is there fairly regularly came up to me when I was done and told me that I should really be doing my cardio first. Not a big deal except I had someone else tell me the opposite when I first started at that gym. Maybe this guy today was just looking for an excuse to talk to me, but who knows.

 

[stimy]

I usually finish with cardio. My reasoning being that my glycogen is depleted so moderate cardio can burn some unwanted fat. I also notice less DOMS when I do a stairclimber after a heavy leg session or a row machine on back day. Just my thoughts.

 

[odadeo]

I usually do them on separate days. If I end up doing them on the same day, cardio is last.

 

[EER]

I think people use the term "strength" training incorrectly. Strength training is very low rep, heavy weight like 85 to 90% of one rep max, with very long rest periods. The point of strength training is not hypertrophy but to train the central nervous system to fire all the motor neurons with a set of muscle groups, to push, pull or move a near maximal weight for 1 to 3 reps.
So the OP asked do cardio before or after strength training and my answer along with any true strength traineis would be....dont do cardio on training days period. Cardio would expend too much energy and possible cause a missed rep which is a huge no, no with strength training.
Now if OP is asking about cardio before or after hypertrophy training then I think either is fine bc the theory of hypertrophy training is simply pushing a muscle or group to failure. ..to promote muscle growth.i.e. hypertrophy.

 

[snackmachine]

well put EER

 

[EER]

well put EER

Thank you and i hope I don't sound like I'm being harsh at the OP. Quite the opposite, just wanting to clarify what type of training they r referring to....and my understanding of strength training. Ok I'm at movies....phone off lol

 

[curtisvill]

Spot on EER

 

[SimplyScarlet]

I think people use the term "strength" training incorrectly. Strength training is very low rep, heavy weight like 85 to 90% of one rep max, with very long rest periods. The point of strength training is not hypertrophy but to train the central nervous system to fire all the motor neurons with a set of muscle groups, to push, pull or move a near maximal weight for 1 to 3 reps.
So the OP asked do cardio before or after strength training and my answer along with any true strength traineis would be....dont do cardio on training days period. Cardio would expend too much energy and possible cause a missed rep which is a huge no, no with strength training.
Now if OP is asking about cardio before or after hypertrophy training then I think either is fine bc the theory of hypertrophy training is simply pushing a muscle or group to failure. ..to promote muscle growth.i.e. hypertrophy.

Thank you for the good information and correction.

 

[EER]

Thank you for the good information and correction.

SS I wasn't "correcting" and my apologies if it came off that way. I hear the term misused by so many brothers I just want'ed clarification to help better answer the original question.
Cardio pre or post workout is up to the individual you will get a 50/50 split on opinions. My thoughts is you do it however u feel is best, switch it up and experiment. If I lift in the morning there is ZERO chance I do cardio...now if I have time I'll do some interval sprints in the evening ...anyway up to u is my final answer lol.

 

[dylangemelli]

i have ALWAYS found it more effective for me to do cardio first... i do two a days... i do morning cardio for 90 minutes and all my lifting in the evening... i do the sauna twice a day as well... abs both morning and evening...

 

[certifiablyinsane]

I think cardio after lifting is fine. From what I hear it is ok as long as it is not long duration cardio. I usually do about 20 minutes low intensity cardio. Likewise, as long as your diet is in check and you are getting a good amount of protein from your diet you should be totally fine.

Edit: don't want to confuse

 

[dylangemelli]

I think cardio after lifting is fine. Many people, such as myself, don't have time to go to a gym twice a day. From what I hear it is ok as long as it is not long duration cardio. I usually do about 20 minutes low intensity cardio. Likewise, as long as your diet is in check and you are getting a good amount of protein from your diet you should be totally fine.

Why do you have to go the gym to do cardio?

 

[certifiablyinsane]

Why do you have to go the gym to do cardio?

Disregard. Misread OP. I personally do my sessions away from the gym.