EXERCISE: To Cardio or Not to Cardio Before Your Workout?

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EXERCISE: To Cardio or Not to Cardio Before Your Workout?

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Cardio: to be or not to be before your workout?

That is the question that many fitness enthusiasts ponder as they prepare to hit the gym.

While there is no one-size-fits-all answer, this article will explore the pros and cons of each approach, using a dash of humor, a pinch of science, and real-life examples to help you make the best decision for your individual needs and goals.

The Science of Cardio Timing

Before we dive in, let's first understand the science behind cardio timing.

Cardio before your workout can help get your heart rate up, increase blood flow to your muscles, and prepare your body for the more intense exercises to follow.

On the other hand, doing cardio after your workout can help burn extra calories while your body is already in a fat-burning mode.

Visit Cardio workouts that make your heart sing!

So, which approach is better?

It depends on your goals.

Case 1: Cardio Pre-Workout

If you're looking to lose weight and improve your cardiovascular health, doing cardio before your workout may be a great option.

This is because when you engage in a cardio session, your body utilizes glycogen (stored carbohydrates) for energy.

Once you transition to your strength or resistance training workout, you'll have less glycogen available, potentially pushing your body to burn more fat for fuel.

Case 2: Cardio Post-Workout

However, if you're primarily focused on building muscle and strength, doing cardio after your strength training can be more effective.

This is because when you start with resistance exercises, you're less fatigued, which means you can lift heavier weights and focus on building muscle.

Moreover, since your glycogen stores are still relatively intact, your muscles are more equipped to handle the resistance training.

Visit Get your body moving and your heart pumping!

The Compromise: Splitting the Difference

For those who can't decide between pre- and post-workout cardio, a compromise may be the answer.

You can split your cardio, doing a brief warm-up before your workout and then saving the main cardio session for after you've worked up a sweat with the weights.

This approach combines the benefits of both options.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the best time to do cardio depends on your individual fitness goals and preferences.

Experiment with different approaches to see what works best for you. And most importantly, listen to your body and have fun!

Faithfully yours, Gary fit40strong.com

Thought-provoking questions:

  • What are your primary fitness goals?
  • Have you tried different cardio timings in your workout routine?
  • What's your go-to workout playlist?

And here are my recommendations to help you with your fitness journey:

Visit Find the perfect cardio workout for your fitness level and goals!

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