Hi, Margie! The cardio-then-lifting protocol has worked for me for the following reasons:
1: A good, tub-thumping hard-charging cardio routine, especially one that includes a great deal of thigh-intensive plyo work, is what I need to get totally fired up (as opposed to just warmed up) for lifting. All the circulation is up, everything's re-oxygenated, and I'm in a mental as well as physical mode to go from fast-paced huffy-puffy to slow, concentrated work;
2: A good cardio routine LIMBERS me up as well, so I get a better range of motion on my lifts;
3: If I do strictly cardio only, in a weird way it feels like I've eaten a meal that consists only of carbs and fat with zero protein. To do lifting afterward feels like I've had a complete workout experience.
I read somewhere recently (and darned if I can remember where) that a cardio-then-lifting session works well because the cardio portion (presuming it's at an appropriately high intensity level for the exerciser) releases not only endorphins but also triggers the production of needed testosterone for the workout bout. I'd have to contact my guru Maribeth Salge to get the particulars on that, but the comment was in response to those who advocate exclusively doing cardio and lifting in different sessions.
Understand, I'm not saying that it's My Way Or The Highway. Anyone who says there is only one true way to exercise and schedule cardio vs. strength is wrong.
Hope this helps -
A-Jock
