Fitness

Why You Should Do Cardio After Strength Training

Why You Should Do Cardio After Strength Training

Doing cardio before strength training reduces strength gains by depleting glycogen stores needed for maximal effort. Strength first, cardio after produces better outcomes — both for strength gains and for fat loss (cardio after taps fat stores more directly).

Why order matters

Strength training requires glycogen (stored carb in muscles). Pre-fatigue from cardio reduces weight you can lift, weight you can lift over time, and ultimate strength gains. Strength first uses fresh glycogen; cardio after taps fat in already-depleted state.

How to structure sessions

30-45 min strength training first. 15-30 min cardio after. Total session 60-75 min. Or separate days entirely if time permits.

If you currently do cardio first as warm-up, you're costing yourself strength gains. Switch order and observe.