Weights first?

[Victoria79]

Hi Cathe,

I've read a few places that when doing weights and cardio in the same day (like the CTX or Timesaver workouts) the workout will burn more fat if the weights are done before the cardio. The way I've heard it told is that you burn through stored sugar doing the weight work and don't "waste" as much of your cardio time burning sugars and can work on burning fat.

Is this a myth/old wives' tale? Or is there anything to it?

Thanks for all your wonderful workouts!
Victoria

 

[Lyssa]

Hi Victoria, I am not Cathe, but I always do my weight lifting before doing my cardio. I find that it gets my body geared up for the cardio and I am able to go longer and have more endurance that way. I don't know if it burns more fat or not, but I know this is what I like to do. Just thought I would share with you.

Melissa

 

[hoovsfunland]

Don't know if it's a wive's tale or not, but I have heard this too. I know that for me, if I do intense cardio before weights, I'm often too burned out to lift very heavy or effectively.

 

[acatalina]

From what i think cathe has posted.
It depends on your goals. I you want your goal for the day to be cardio do it 1st.
If weights are your main goal for the day do weights.
I know after i do over an hour of weights i am in no way into intense cardio. Same the other way.
Do gym style legs for 68 min and see if you can do step for another 1/2-1hour. Not me. I would fall off the step,
Anne
http://www.picturetrail.com/acatalina

 

[melodygirl]

I was always taught and continue to read, start with resistance training and finish with cardio. This way you use most, and in some cases all, of your available glucose during the strength training session. Then as you progress into your cardio activity, you will begin using stored body fat as fuel.

Strength training uses glucose for fuel, cardiovascular training uses either glucose or body fat, but prefers glucose if it’s available. Doing the strength training first followed by cardio training allows the body to utilize excess body fat most effectively.

If my memory is not serving me well, I'm sure someone --hopefully Cathe-- will let us know. I don't normally answer here, sorry Cathe, especially if I am incorrect.