Is it better to do cardio before lifting weights or after?

Question

I quit smoking 6 months ago, been working out 5 days a week 1 hour each day since I quit smoking: 15 minutes cardio, 45 minute weights. I do different muscle groups each day, abs every day. I usually do weights first. I was 185, 5'10'' 36 inch waist, now I am 210 with a 34 inch waist, I am looking to trim down maybe by another 10-15 ibs, I keep hearing different opinions on which do do first, I am looking to maximize and not waiste my time in the gym


Thanks!

Answer 1

well if you want to lose weight you should do 45 mins of cardio and 15 mins of weight lifting. you really dont need to do that much weight lifting a day to become toned. you could even carry little 2-5 pound hand weights with you as you're on the tredmill or soemthing for about 3 minutes and that would be plenty. but it doesnt matter whether you do cardio or weight lifting first. i'd probably weight lift first, so you wont be as tired.

Answer 2

Well not before or after you need a day to cardio alone cardio breaks down muscle so do less than 2 hours a week unless you want to lose significant weight!

Answer 3

personally i cardio before weights...i thought it was always good to warm the muscles up before you lift. What is also really good to loose weight and get into shape is do what they call a power work out about twice a week.

Run for 15 mins, hop off do some reps, when you feel your heartrate start to slow down hop on the bike for 15 mins, then weights, then 15 mins on the stair master etc. Its suppose to the burn the most calories and make you more lean. Personally, I think I would drop of dead but it's worth a shot.

Answer 4

This is what works for me: Ten minute warm up before lifting. When my muscles are warm, I find that I work out more effectively.
After about 20 minutes or so of lifting, I do at least a half hour of cardio and then a ten minute cool-down.

Answer 5

I like to do cardio before weights to warm up my muscles first. A trainer friend of mine suggested doing circuit training where you alternate lifting and cardio.

Answer 6

Since you are not trying to bulk up then here is my suggestion.
Do you cardio before your workout except on leg day. This way you already have you heart rate up and once you start your workout it should carry over. Also since you are trying to slim down you need to be doing alot of work with lighter weights and higher reps. Also try something like circuit training this is where you go nonstop without a rest from one station to the next, and then doing all over again once you finish.

Answer 7

Do 45 minutes cardio workouts a few times a week

Answer 8

omg good for you...that is so good. im sure u feel so much better wit out all that addiction. but it is better to do lift weights before because then you get the weights that you can press wit out being tired from all that running aroud.it would be a good warm up for cardio too!! again GOOD JOB!! and GOOD LUCK

Answer 9

I do my cardio before weights, since I like to warm my muscles up to prevent tearing or pulling.

Answer 10

Through experience, rugby ,football,and gym .if want to lose weight do cardio first for as long as poss, then use heavier weight and less reps to build the muscles