Cardio before or after weight training?

[Biker84]

I was wondering if it was better to do my cardio before lifting or after. Now, I usually do 35 min on the treadmill at 3.5 mph on lifting days and 45 min runs on non lifting day. So, let me know what your opinions are. Thanks

[falco21]

Best to do it after. I always hated doing it before. Made me tired and didn't allow me to lift like I usually do. I was pre-exhausted before even lifting a weight.

[boxa06]

I was wondering if it was better to do my cardio before lifting or after. Now, I usually do 35 min on the treadmill at 3.5 mph on lifting days and 45 min runs on non lifting day. So, let me know what your opinions are. Thanks

Do it after. Cardio before weights will take from your weights session more than weights would take from you cardio session.

[Black]

It really depends on your goals. If one of your goals is to gain muscle, than I'd perform cardio after weight training. This will enable you to use your carbohydrate stores and calories for the needed energy to lift weights.

[Biker84]

So, I'll stay with doing cardio after lifting. My thought was if I did a lite session before I would be nice and warmed up, and when I finished lifting I would have my post workout shake rite after and start repairing my muscles sooner

[joshh]

depends on your goals mate, i you want to stay lean then pwo cardio is your best mate. don't worry about that so called "window" that you need to smash your shake within.. it's all bro science, i used to do 75 minutes cardio after my lifting!

[Biker84]

Thanks for the advice!

[Whammi]

I always do my cardio after my workout. I find it beneficial after my workout since my body is warmed up and my heart rate is already raised.

[lmmalone]

I prefer doing it after. It doesn't seem to effect my lifts too much. I get super lazy after weights and have no motivation for cardio. So if I'm gonna do both cardio comes first.

I think it comes down to personal preference.

just my .02

[ThatAthlete82]

depends on your goals mate, i you want to stay lean then pwo cardio is your best mate. don't worry about that so called "window" that you need to smash your shake within.. it's all bro science, i used to do 75 minutes cardio after my lifting!

It's not "bro science". In fact, it's just science.

[Standby]

all i would do before is light a ligh 10min walk or something just to warm up. all my cardio is after workout or no where near a workout

[joshh]

It's not "bro science". In fact, it's just science.

No, this so called "30 minute window" is bro science. Of course it's best to have your shake asap after lifting but that window stays open for much longer than an hour

[djdizzy]

Cardio session after strength workout keeps arteries supple

Especially good for AAS users

http://www.ergo-log.com/cardioafterstrengthworkout.html

[Biker84]

Thanks for the link dizzy. I think I'll stick to doing cardio after training. Btw. I like that term "bro science"!

[aronjrsmil]

I always lift before my cardio! I find that it actually helps jumpstart my cardio!(although I may fade off a little quicker, I'm able to start at a faster pace.

[DeadlyD]

I usually do a 10-12min warm up jog or walk before weights then my cardio after, i find doing cardio after it losens me up aswell.

[ThatAthlete82]

No, this so called "30 minute window" is bro science. Of course it's best to have your shake asap after lifting but that window stays open for much longer than an hour

No. It doesn't. Here's a study: http://www.hussmanfitness.org/html/TFPostProtein.html
"The Journal of Physiology recently reported a study that tracked 13 subjects over 12 weeks. One group took a protein-containing supplement immediately after resistance training. The other waited for 2 hours before taking protein. The immediate protein group saw significant increases in muscle mass, dynamic strength (strength in moving a weight) and isometric strength (strength without movement). The 2-hour delay group saw only improved dynamic strength. The study notes "We conclude that an early intake of an oral protein supplement after resistance training is important for the development of hypertrophy in skeletal muscle."

For the purposes of muscle building, it is essential that you intake protein within 45 minutes of finishing your workout-hour tops. For purposes of fat loss, I've heard waiting longer and going light on the carbs is beneficial-however this claim requires a lot more replication from other studies.