Gym Buddies Question.....

Hello to the most wonderful gym buddies one can have.  Yes, I know I am sucking up, but I have a question that only your expertise can answer.  Here is my question.   I like (that is a lie) to do the treadmill for cadio work-outs.  Then I usally will do some kind of weights/resistence training...etc... Here is my question...  I just recently read that is best to do the "work-out" exercises...then the cardio.  I have always done the cardio first ..then the weights...  any suggestions...etc....  THANKS!!!!!!

Daniel,
If you do cardio first you are less likely to maximize your ability to maintain and/or build lean muscle tissue. Instead, you are more likely to lose lean muscle tissue and lack the strength necessary to build muscle.

Here's the order that works for me:
- 10-15 minute cardio warm-up
- Resistance / weight training
- Whatever my main cardio workout for the day happens to be

Results may vary - Good Luck

Be Well,
A.J.

Dan, There are differing opinions out there on this subject - much of it has to do with the level of intensity of the weights/resistance training one is doing that day.  Let's say for example that you plan to work on upper body...arms, chest, back.  If your cardio is on the treadmill, eliptical or stationary bike then it will make little difference on your workout whether or not you do it on the front end or the back end.  If you're working legs, likely the best strategy is to save your cardio until after weights and resistance.  The exception would be if your simply in the habit of using the cardio as a light warm-up...going a brief time and little to no resistance level.   Getting those muscles warmed-up and loose prior to hitting the weights is definitely a good idea in order to get the best results - but doing so should not fatigue your muscles in any way...you want to be at full-strength to ensure you're able to perform the necessary sets and repetitions with the desireable amount of weight/resistance. For what it's worth, if I do cardio on weight/resistance days, it's always at the conclusion of my workout.  My weight/resistance workouts are full body every other day (with one recovery period weekly that spans two days instead of one) with cardio on the off days.  Depending on how hard I've pushed on the weights, I may or may not choose to do cardio on the weight days. Here's the rough schedule I follow: Sunday - Weights/Resistance (Full Body) Monday - OFF DAY Tuesday - Cardio (5 miles walk/run + 12 miles stationary bike) Wednesday - Weights/Resistance (Full Body) Thursday - Cardio (5 miles walk/run + 12 miles stationary bike) Friday - Weights/Resistance (Full Body) Saturday - Cardio (5 miles walk/run + 12 miles stationary bike) or OFF DAY Again, I may do cardio on weight days, I may not...much of it depends on how I'm feeling that particular day or whether or not I'm able to keep my weight steady and not dropping.  Finally, if I do take an OFF DAY that results in skipping weight/resistance or cardio, it's always cardio I skip. My priority is weights/resistance to maintain/build muscle mass versus the weight reduction I tend to have in conjunction with cardio. Just my two cents...hope this makes sense! Cards Fan "STEP OFF THE SIDELINES AND GET IN THE GAME!"

I agree with AJ on the order. The weights will raise your metabolism and the cardio afterwards will keep it up. The other thing that's important is the intensity - working out with weights until movement of arms and legs becomes difficult at least a couple of times a week, using the exercises that CB once listed.

Personally, I think deadlifts and squats are they key to renewed youth, but whenever I have a partner do the deadlifts, they always quit because of back pain, so I may just be a fluke (though, I'd like to think my form is good).

Good Luck,

Dave