Fitness expert: Lift weights before cardio

The sequence of your workout can impact your fitness results, according to a fitness expert.

Randal Claytor, an Associate Professor of Kinesiology, Nutrition, and Health at Miami University, advises gym enthusiasts to lift weights before doing cardio to maximize gains.

"If your aim is to stay healthy and enjoy the mental benefits of exercise, starting with resistance training might give you a slight edge," Claytor stated in an article for The Conversation.

Claytor explained that those who regularly engage in resistance training activities like weightlifting, squats, and planks can enhance muscle strength and improve mental well-being.

He recommends performing weight exercises before cardio to maintain overall fitness.

"Resistance training before aerobic exercise can slightly boost lower-body muscle strength without affecting other health-related physical fitness benefits," he noted.

Claytor also emphasized the importance of incorporating both types of exercise into your routine, even if you're pressed for time.

"Combining resistance and aerobic exercises is more beneficial, especially for individuals with chronic disease risk factors, compared to focusing on just one type of exercise," he said.

"This approach offers significant cardiovascular benefits and is practical for those with busy schedules," Claytor added.

Ultimately, the most important thing is to stay active. "My advice is to choose the order of exercises based on your preferences and what keeps you motivated to return to the gym," he concluded.

Source: msn

The opinions shared in the GymNation blog articles are solely those of the respective authors and may not represent the perspectives of GymNation or any member of the GymNation team.