Cardio before workout?

[otnemem311]

I searched for this and couldn't find anything...the popular lore seems to be that you shouldn't do cardio within 8 hours of working out. Does that apply only to cardio after a workout? Is it ok to run before a workout?

[tashimarie]

i think it applies to cardio before or after a work-out

[cz3ch]

Originally Posted by otnemem311

I searched for this and couldn't find anything...the popular lore seems to be that you shouldn't do cardio within 8 hours of working out. Does that apply only to cardio after a workout? Is it ok to run before a workout?

When I'm on a cutting phase I always do cardio immediately after weight training. Keeps my metabolism going, though I only go for about 15-20 min instead of my normal 45 min. Also make sure to get some protein/dextrose afterwards. I think whatever works for someone, works...

[otnemem311]

I think I'm going to run before my workout anyhow. I mean, the logic behind this 8-hour thing doesn't make sense when talking about pre-workout. If running close to a workout 'burns off' the muscle you just gained during a workout, then how can running before a workout burn off any muscle that you have yet to gain? Regardless, I'm gonna run, gaining isn't a high priority for me.

[karatetricker]

Originally Posted by otnemem311

I think I'm going to run before my workout anyhow. I mean, the logic behind this 8-hour thing doesn't make sense when talking about pre-workout. If running close to a workout 'burns off' the muscle you just gained during a workout, then how can running before a workout burn off any muscle that you have yet to gain? Regardless, I'm gonna run, gaining isn't a high priority for me.

I'll be damned if I could run for 45 mins and then have the same intensity during my lifting workout. That is why I don't run pre-lifting. I like to leave myself at least 3 hours between them. Sometimes I do it immediately after however. And you don't gain muslce while you're IN the gym. You gain it while you're resting and your muslces are repairing.

[JeremyLikness]

Originally Posted by otnemem311

I searched for this and couldn't find anything...the popular lore seems to be that you shouldn't do cardio within 8 hours of working out. Does that apply only to cardio after a workout? Is it ok to run before a workout?

Cardio before a workout is fine. People get excited about "theory" and make it suddenly the new law. I.e. you lose glycogen during weight training and therefore cardio is forced into fat-burning mode is a common one. It's taking part theory part science and trying to establish a hard and fast rule. Of course, then your opposing camp is going to come along and say that you have this magical on/off switch where suddenly you start to lose pounds of muscle and if you do cardio after weight training you're going to wither away into nothing.

The fact is, your ability to recover is more based on what happens in the 24 hours AFTER the workout than the workout itself - even if your body is using protein during exercise, which is WILL do, it is not magically dissolving the muscle. Instead, your muscle tissue breaks down during intense training, and then it is a question of whether there is sufficient protein available to repair it. This repair happens AFTER the fact - when you recover.

I can tell you right now there is no debate over whether it is fine to do cardio before training. It IS fine. I've had clients do it, I've done it myself. Is it the BEST POSSIBLE PLAN? Now there is some room for debate. However, your best guide is YOU. How do YOU feel doing it that way? How do you progress? If you feel great, it fits your schedule, and you see progress - go for it!

Jeremy

[Human Clay]

I do my cardio before I lift weights. I can go for an hour on the treadmill, and I just feel even more energized to lift than before I hopped on. I suffer from some psycho-motor skill problems and frequent bouts of fatigue, and I highly doubt I'd fare as well in the weight room with only a standard warm up beforehand.

So far in the past 2 weeks, even, I've noticed definite increases in my muscle mass, and I must be losing fat because their are new dips and curves (the 'fat girl' version of 'definition' ).

Of course, I always eat a good protein meal within an hour post-gym.

Just a little question on glycogen, JeremyLikness, if you don't mind humouring me: I've heard that women store glycogen better. I'm taking this with a grain of salt, seen as I know so little about it, but would you know anything to confirm or deny that?

[JeremyLikness]

Originally Posted by Human Clay

I do my cardio before I lift weights. I can go for an hour on the treadmill, and I just feel even more energized to lift than before I hopped on. I suffer from some psycho-motor skill problems and frequent bouts of fatigue, and I highly doubt I'd fare as well in the weight room with only a standard warm up beforehand.

So far in the past 2 weeks, even, I've noticed definite increases in my muscle mass, and I must be losing fat because their are new dips and curves (the 'fat girl' version of 'definition' ).

Of course, I always eat a good protein meal within an hour post-gym.

Just a little question on glycogen, JeremyLikness, if you don't mind humouring me: I've heard that women store glycogen better. I'm taking this with a grain of salt, seen as I know so little about it, but would you know anything to confirm or deny that?

Well, there is this article that states the opposite - that women don't store glycogen as well as men. This article from the same site reinforces that.

Now, on the other hand, this article says that men "burn through glycogen" faster than women - then reinforces the previous site with this article relative to glycogen loading.

How's that help?

Jeremy

[Human Clay]

So in other words, women can't store as much glycogen as men but they can hold onto what they've got for longer, which is still basically in line with what I heard.

(Let's not forget the other important factors, too, such as the cycle of the moon, the direction of the wind, and a person's zodiac sign! )

[SwoleCat]

I personally NEVER recommend cardio before weights.

Aerobic/Anaerobic activity should be seperated, with appropriate nutritional strategies to address both highly DIFFERENT forms of activity.

Just going by what has been working personally for years upon years w/myself, competitors, and those clients I train.

Bottom line: to each his own however.

~SC~