Cardio before or after weights?
Posted: Mon May 26, 2025 9:04 pm
I know the general advice is weights first, then cardio, but my specific situation is a bit different. I'm doing a mini-cut and need to fit in 4-5 cardio sessions per week alongside my 4-day upper/lower split.
My gym schedule only allows me to train 4 days per week, so I need to double up cardio and weights on those days. The thing is, I actually feel more energetic doing 20-30 minutes of moderate cardio before lifting. My warm-up feels better and I don't feel as stiff going into my first exercise.
Am I sabotaging my strength gains by doing cardio first? We're talking zone 2 stuff, not HIIT. Or should I just suck it up and do cardio after even if it means my sessions drag on longer and I feel more beat up?
My gym schedule only allows me to train 4 days per week, so I need to double up cardio and weights on those days. The thing is, I actually feel more energetic doing 20-30 minutes of moderate cardio before lifting. My warm-up feels better and I don't feel as stiff going into my first exercise.
Am I sabotaging my strength gains by doing cardio first? We're talking zone 2 stuff, not HIIT. Or should I just suck it up and do cardio after even if it means my sessions drag on longer and I feel more beat up?