Strength or Cardio First?

Question: I like to do both cardiovascular and strength-training exercises on the same day. Is it better to do one before the other or does it matter?

Answer: This has been an ongoing question for years. Coaches and professional athletes who train for specific sports especially want to know which sequence will most assist our efforts to lose weight, improve cardio function and gain strength.

But there has been little research on which order of exercises is most advantageous. Some trainers say that by doing cardio exercise first, you’re warming up the muscles for strength training. Others say that cardio exercise fatigues the muscles so that we don’t make great strides in the weight room, especially on those leg days.

My theory is that aerobic exercise warms our bodies for strength training. I’ve found that, after cardio, my endorphins kick in and I feel strong enough to take my body into the gym. If I do strength training first, my muscles get tired and I usually bag my cardio workout.

For most people, the best program is the one that they will enjoy and do regularly and that feels right for their body.

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Stephanie Oakes is the fitness correspondent for Discovery Health Channel and a health/fitness consultant. Send questions by e-mail to stephoakes@aol.com. She cannot respond to every query.