Cardio before running.

M

marcerrin

0
I just read this in a Magazine and it makes perfect sense to me.
I know Ive seen this question alot, but never answered because I didnt have any science to back up my answer.

Do you do cardio before or after lifting?

The answer is:
If your target is to burn fat, do cardio before lifting. If you run after lifting your body will burn the build up of lactic acid in your body before it starts burning fat.

The article I got this from was Muscle & Fitness June 2004 issue.
page 114.

Anyone else have an opinion on this?
 
Try both. Do what gives the results.
 
As you may know, ATP is the high-energy molecule that provides the energy for any/all muscle contraction. The body utilizes several different systems to replenish ATP, and the system that is preferentially utilized for a certain activity depends on the intensity, duration and type (continuous vs interval) of activity. By choosing the appropriate intensity and duration, you can effectively and preferentially sollicit different energy systems. This being said, although it is true that blood lactate accumulation is higher after bouts of weight training (because this is an activity that consists of bouts of high-intensity exercise), I don’t think it will have any significant effect on your subsequent bouts of cardio, provided your activity is adjusted accordingly. For example, if your cardiovascular activity is performed at a sub-maximal, steady-state level, your body will revert to the oxidative system for energy production, preferentially using fat as an energy substrate. However, calorie for calorie, you would burn more calories doing shorter bouts of higher intensity interval-type trainings (in which case the preferential energy substrate would be carbohydrates). I would think, therefore, that whether you do your cardio before or after your lifting is merely personal preference.

However, if anyone has come across any research stating the opposite, I would be really interested in reading up on the topic. It is a very good, and frequently asked question.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top