weights before cardio or vice versa???

My husband and I just started working out together.  We of course don't lift the same amount of weight or anything and I do a little more cardio but was wondering if anyone prefers to do weights and then cardio or cardio then weights??   Is it different for a guy and a girl?  We have 3 personal training sessions with our membership so we are going to utilize those but just wanted to know if anyone here can shed some light on this.  thanks!!

I prefer to do cardio then weights. Honestly I don't have any scientific explanation on why, other than that's just the way I like to do it...lol. I've heard that cardio should be done before weights, but like I said, I'm not sure why... Sorry!  LOL!

I prefer cardio then weights.  But my doctor suggested that I should mix it up.  One day weights first, one day cardio first.  It's all part of the muscle confusion thing.  The problem is... you kind of have to grab a treadmill as soon as it's free.  So I don't always get to mix it up.

I hear you on the grabbing the cardio when its free.  the gym we go to is BUSY.  well thanks for the tips.  I will stick to cardio then weights. 

Take this for what its worth, I'm no expert, but when I went to personal trainer school 10 years ago I learned that weights should be done before cardio. You have glycogen stores topped off, which are good when being used for short bursts of energy, such as lifting weight. So by doing this, along with proper form and proper resistance (weight) you are giving your body the maximum benefit of a weight training program. Cardio when done in conjunction with weights, should always be done second, cardio should be done with what you have left in the tank, since most of your glycogen stores got burned up lifting weights as long as you were lifting enough weight (i.e. you don't get much benefit lifting the little 1 lb weights).

Like I said, I'm no expert, I went an 8 week personal trainer school 10 years ago when I worked as a trainer at 24 hour fitness. I had RNY in Nov 2009 and starting lifting 6 weeks out from surgery and still lift twice a week as part of my overall plan, also lifting before cardio.

It depends on how much weight you're lifting. If you're doing a very light weight lifting routine, it doesn't matter. If you have a very heavy and exhaustive weight lifting regimen, do cardio first because you may not have enough energy left in your muscles at the end.

Weights first when you have more energy and then grind out the cardio.

i mix it up and have heard pros and cons both ways.  that being said, i prefer weights first for a practical reason.  i get so sweaty during a long cardio session like a spin class or speed work on a treadmill that the last thing i want to do is carry around two towels to wipe off the sweat from the machines after i use them :)

I just met with a personal trainer and he suggested always doing weights first. He said that it's better because when you first get there you want to use your energy to get the weights done because they will give you a better and longer lasting "burn".  Then you do your cardio for as long as you can ( at least 15 minutes to start and gradually progress). He also said to pick a weight where you can do 3-5 sets of 12-15 reps. When you can perform this easily, increase your weight.  You should only focus on 1-2 muscle groups per day and try to change your cardio as often as possible (like doing a bike vs the treadmill) to keep your metabolism going and your muscles "guessing". Hope this helps!

thanks for all the help.  it seems like doing the weights first is and then cardio is easier for me because i am tired after cardio.  Just waiting for the hubs to get home from work so we can meet with our personal trainers.  I have been doing 3 spinning classes a week which i love love love but am tired after so on alternate days i do weights and then my cardio.  thanks again,