Do you cool down completely before strength?

[SteppingFool]

Hi all,

I am doing my cardio and strength one after the other, ala CTX except that I am on PS rotation. My question -- do you cool down completely after cardio (prior to strength) or 'not too much' as Cathe said in the CTX cardio (forget which one). Or is it because CTX strength is more of endurance type workout that you are not supposed to cool down completely? I usually cool down completely, including stretching, before I start my PS. Am I doing it wrong?

TIA!

Haslina

 

[naughtoj]

I don't think that you are doing it "wrong". However, your muscles should not be downright cold by this time you start weights. The sooner I jump into weights after cardio, the better....for me. Double stretching seems like it would actually benefit you and if you prefer to cool down a bit, fine, just make sure you don't lose all the warmth out of your muscles..or warm up again!! I think sometimes for endurance type workouts, you are focusing on how long your body can do solid work..with no or little stopping. But that is getting very technical, and I don't think stopping will hurt you for your purposes, unless you are looking to run a marathon or something.

I think Cathe says "not too much" because she is afraid you will not get back up!!! I know some days I don't want to!!!

 

[Cathe Friedrich]

Hi Haslina! If you are going from your cardio right into your weights, you can enjoy the stretch following the cardio since it is best to stretch when your tissue temperature is warm. As soon as you complete your stretch, go right into your strength and that way you can fast forward past the warm up of the weight workout since your muscles are thoroughly warmed up already. Although not necessary, I suggest to be conservative with your weight on the very first set of only the first exercise (to set the tone) and after that you can resume your regular weight. Good luck!