Generally speaking if you are trying to build muscle (and I hope you are) then strength train first while your glycogen (the body’s main source of fuel) stores are high. This way you have maximum energy to lift as much weight, whether through high reps or pounds, as possible. If you are working on building endurance, such as training for a race then do cardio. Since you will need the energy to complete your run. Or you can do what I do and alternate days. Do strength training one day and cardio the next (preferable HIIT cardio). This way you can give 100% to each workout.
Another option is to forget cardio-only sessions all together and do workouts that combine both, at least to some extent. These workouts are usually combinations of compound lifts, plyometrics, sprints, and body weight exercises with little to no rest in between exercises. Think “boot camp” style workouts. You are building strength while elevating your heart rate. I really like working out this way. It’s fun, fast, and efficient. Although in my experience this has not been enough when I’m trying to burn those last few pounds of stubborn fat. Then I need those few extra cardio sessions and 10 extra minutes after my strength workouts. But it’s works beautifully for maintaining as long as I’m following my plan.
Everyone has an opinion on what is “best”. But if you don’t like that “best” then forget it and do what you like because doing something is better than nothing. If you have a nutso schedule and can only exercise 3 days a week and for whatever reason hate to strength train first then don’t. You may not build the muscle you could otherwise but at least you’ll be doing more than the majority. Although you should try to work your hardest and run your fastest there are few (if any) hard and fast rules. Fitness is like life, you can’t fit it into a box.
xoxo
j
I love receiving and answering questions but I’m not an “expert’. While my opinions are based on research most are from personal experience. My hope is that what has worked for me will help you in some way! Thanks again for reading. I heart you guys!
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