HIIT + One Part Per Day - Which First?

[Jcrew3082]

Hey all,

For my next rotation, I am planning on doing one body part per day with weights plus four or five days of HIIT. When I do weights and HIIT on the same day, which should come first? Is one sequence most effective?

TIA

 

[xschwarz]

Hi Tia,

I'll take a stab at this one:

Weight train prior to HIIT as performing HIIT tends to deplete your glycogen stores vs. the opposite. If you deplete your muscle working systen then you lose the ability to perform at your optimal level allowing for progressive muscular gains....which is the name of the game!

X

 

[kathryn]

My prefered way to workout when doing cardio and weights is to start with a 10-12 minute cardio warm-up, do weights, then do cardio. But I want to emphasize strength and muscle tone, so that's why I prioritize it (but I like to have a good warm-up before working out).

Another option would be to split these into two workouts, to allow a bit of recovery time, but not enough so you metabolism goes down much. I've done this with P90 Masters workouts, doing a weight workouts, then taking an hour break, during which time I refuel with a carb/protein smoothie, then coming back to do an Interval workout.

 

[Kat2002]

I've read that if you're doing true HIIT, that 4-5 days would be considered too much and wouldn't allow your legs to recover. Maybe you should try 3 HIITs and one steady-state cardio.

 

[Boybert]

I like doing cardio first b/c then I am adequately warm & prepared for weights. This has just always worked for me. You have to evaluate your goals and also see what's best for your body. I don't think there is one specific answer. I do agree that 4/5 days of HIIT is a bit much. I think 3 would be perfect, but if you want more cardio, do some steady state or circuit work in there.


Live with sincerity, love with passion, and dance like you mean it.

Debbie

 

[randidiane]

Do you guys see better results doing one body part a day or doing all body parts one day like on MM?

 

[kathryn]

I agree about too much HIIT. 1-3 days per week, with at least a day in between, is what I'd stick with.

 

[Boybert]

I get best results mixing it up. I usually throw 1-2 days full body, at least one circuit. Then on an alternate week I might do the GS series. I keep it rotating. I think it really depends on your body and your goals.


Live with sincerity, love with passion, and dance like you mean it.

Debbie

 

[randidiane]

Thank you debbie!

 

[maddiesmum]

Now this, I agree with. It's not a question of "which is best?" but "which works best for you?

Personally, I would not have the strength left for hard cardio, which HIIT is, if I had previously done weights.

Try it both ways and see which is the most comfortable for you. Regardless of what anybody else says about their own optimal method, if a certain method doesn't suit your body, you won't be abe to force yourself to do it or will hate it while you do.

There is no one approach to fitness.