just joined the gym what do i do first, cardio exercises or weights?

Question

am i best starting with my cardio exercises treadmill, rowing machine, or with the weight machines? does it matter?

Answer 1

Definitely start with cardio. Find what levels on the machines you're comfortable with and aim to increase these every week, but gradually! Once your fitness level has increased and, if it's fat loss & toning that you want to do, then only start lifting weights once you've shifted some fat. Otherwise you'll end up looking bulky. The same goes with weights when you start, find a comfortable weight and then gradually increase over time. I can't stress enough how important technique is with weights. Only move the part of your body that is actually lifting the weight. Don't put your back into it or you'll end up doing yourself an injury! It's amazing how many people in gyms are lifting weight incorrectly and the instructors will never tell them either so make sure you learn for yourself! Free weights are the best as you can do all sorts of reps that you couldn't get on the machines. Lastly, ALWAYS stretch before and after a workout, that's vital!

Answer 2

Gym rat Jenny here :) Here's my scoop.
First you are supposed to stretch a little, then cardio, then weights, then stretching more. To be honest, the order is not really crucial :) That is just the norm. I like to do 10 min of cardio to get warmed up, then 2 hrs of weights (because I am a freak. but don't do that, that is way too much. 20 min is good) and then 20 min of cardio (to flush out all the muscle soreness) and then 5 min of stretching.
Give it a shot the 10, 20, 20, 5 method if you have an hour to spend at the gym. If not try any way you like and see what feels best to you. there is no right or wrong, but it helps to have warmed up limber muscles to lift weights (prevents pulls) and if you do all of the cardio first you may burn out and be too tried to lift any weights. But do try and stretch before you go home, that really helps alot. Oh yea and make sure to have some water or juice beofre the gym and some carbs before too, a healthy meal afterwards with some meat will beef your muscles up pretty good too, beware those power drinks they put on more fat than they are worth- normal food is perfect, we are human after all.

Answer 3

Everyone has their own routine, you need to figure out what works best for you. I like to do my cardio first, then weights...sometimes 30 minutes of cardio, then weights, then more cardio. Or a spin class thrown in. I prefer doing cardio before weights because i feel it warms up and loosens the muscles. On the other hand,some people claim you should lift weights before so that way you can optimize your weight lifting as you won't be tired out from cardio.

Answer 4

Some people believe that starting with cardio is better. Personally, when I go to the gym, I am either doing cardio or weights, and don't mix the two.

Answer 5

Cardio for about 30-40 mins. because it gets your heart going and will keep going while you are weight training. Also do a little 5 minute cool down on a cardio machine also.

Answer 6

The best thing to do it go to on of the instructors at the gym and ask them to make you out a programme, this way you can acheive your goal in the gym.. make sure you do at least 10 mins light warm-up on the cardio.. walk on the treadmill or light resistance on a crosstrainer or bike then it will be safe to do the weights but be sure to balance out your workout eg if you work your chest then you must do your upper back, abs do lower back this way your posture will look good and you wont look out of portion! at the end of your session cool-down and stretch the areas you worked (hold your stretch dont bounce for 15-20 seconds) Best of luck :)

Answer 7

I don't think it matter when I go to the gym I do my cardio first also...but then again one time a trainer told me I should do weights 1st b/c I would have my muscles relax......so I'll be working them out better ...I tryed it but then ...I didn't feel like doing my cardio so i started doing cardio 1st then weights... you can ask a trainer that work there...you can always ask them question....just don't sign up with them......

Answer 8

it all depends on your goals...if you wish to add a little more muscle then start with weights and finish with a LITTLE cardio but if your goal is to drop some pounds go ahead and start with the cardio and keep the weights a little more fast paced..this means the weight will be lighter since you have shorter rest periods but its then like getting a little extra cardio during the weight training session

Answer 9

If you just started dont kill yourself...take it slowly. I would do 30 minutes of cardio, and go through the weights once 2 sets of 10....once you start feeling good about that increase your cardio and weightlifting. Or you could just get a trainer....

Answer 10

Warm up, but then do your weights. You do not want to be tired for your lifting. Then do your cardio and cool down. (You will also work your endurance in cardio this way)

Take care mate!