**Entropic** re-weights or cardio first

medicapril

You asked a question about whether to do weights or cardio first... well, there are a lot of differing opinions on that, and it has more to do with what your specific goals are than anything else.

Generally- I do my endurance/cardio exercises and heavy strength training on different days.  However, if I do a run on a weight lifting day, I do the weights first.  For me, it's easier to lift heavy weights when my muscles are fresh.  I have been a runner for a long long time, I can run on tired legs, sore legs, achey legs... doesn't matter.  I lift first because I know I can still get an effective cardio session in after.  Also, since weightlifting depletes glycogen stores, my body has to resort to burning other fuel during my run.

If your goal is to build endurance or improve cardiovascular health, it might be beneficial for you to do cardio first, while you're fresh, and do weights after.

Another approahc entireley is something like circuit or interval training... you have short, intense bursts that are anaerobic, with aerobic activity in between.  You don't have to keep your heartrate crazy high, but you never really fully recover, like you would between weightlifting sets.

Note, this is just my opinion, what works for me, and what I've read in various articles.  If other knotties have any advice one way or the other, or can find any articles from reputable sources, please post!

firsttimersluck

I would like to add  

http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/topicoftheweek34.htm

I have always been told that IF you DO choose to do both on the same day (which if fine if you're just lifting for one or two muscle groups.. but a little much if you're doing more than that) then lifting should always be done first. 

http://sportsmedicine.about.com/od/training/a/ExerciseOrder.htm

This article suggests that if your sole goal is to burn the most calories, to do cardio first.. Mainly because if you do lifting first (which burns fewer calories than intense cardio) you use up a ton of energy and will be less likely to give it your all in cardio. 

I, personally, always to weight lifting first. I totally agree that I don't have the energy to lift a ton after cardio (and can't stand being gross and sticky and dripping with sweat while lifting weights). I also feel way stronger after lifting and so cardio always seems like the "icing on the cake" to that. 

heyjude23

Ah, sorry entropic!  I just saw your question to me from yesterday's accountability thread!

Medi covered it, pretty much.  It depends on what you're trying to achieve.  I personally do my intense cardio on days that I'm not doing my heavy lifting, so on lifting days, my sole focus is to build muscle.  I lift first so muscles get the most out of the weight training.  I do cardio after to burn extra calories.  

entropicbeauty

Thanks for the article shares, definitely learned  a few new things. I think I'm going to switch up the order to sometimes do weights first, but I'll continue to also do weights after cardio. Gotta keep the body guessing, right?