Running before or after weights?

[jefft77]

Should I be running before or after doing weights to maximize weight loss?
Thanks for any advice.
Jeff

 

[HeavyLiftr]

I prefer doing cardio / running on separate days. For example, I'll lift 2 days straight, then run the third, 3 more days of lifting but on the 3rd day it's lifting first and cardio aftewards.

I've tried to run first and I'm completely drained, obviously due to glycogen store depletion, even after replenishing carbs with a shake, you're still incredibly weakened for many apparent reasons ... and you don't want to train immediately drinking a 100 carb / 400 calorie drink anyway.

It's much better to give it it's own separate day OR if you prefer maybe run first thing in the morning, and train at night.

 

[MACHI]

Personally, I'd run at a totally different time if you could. Lifting and running would end up raising cortisol levels high.

Frosty where have you read this?

I'd like to see the study your source of information referrenced...Not doubting what you say....Just want to see some numbers.

 

[Ronin_]

in the morning on seperate days preferably. At the least after weights not before.

Your blood sugar is low so you burn fat more, and you dont weaken yourself for the weights

 

[bigpun]

Frosty,

Is it better to run early in the morning before eating anything or should someone eat before doing cardio?? I am thinking of doing cardio on seperate days and was wondering what time would be the best to maximize fat loss??

 

[bigpun]

Well I am overweight a little. I am 6'4 and 320lbs. I used to play college football so I am in shape a little but I am looking to lose as much fat as possible. So should I run on an empty stomach or take some protein before??

Any time is ok.

I wouldn't run on an empty stomach unless you are very overweight. If you are reasonably lean, running on an empty stomach will probably make you lose muscle. Some protein powder 30 minutes before you run should be good.

 

[Ramstein II]

Without a doubt don't do cardio before lifting other than maybe a light warm up to break a sweat. If you run first, you'll sap your glycogen and be weak. Either do the cardio after (you'll burn more fat that way) or do it seperately. If you do your cardio seperately it's a judgment call as to whether you go on an empty stomach or not. Dieticians usually say eat so you'll have energy and that it's total energy balance at the end of the day that counts. Bodybuilding wisdom says maximize fat loss during cardio. Many of us do light cardio on an empty stomach. Personally, I walk on an empty stomach but always have to have higher blood sugar to run or do anything more intense and sustained. Others can tolerate more intense cardio on an empty stomach. You don't want to pass out. I do my low intensity cardio in the morning on an empty stomach and my intense cardio (sprints, jump rope etc...) after weights or a couple of hours after a meal.

 

[that]

exactly, after will do the trick!

 

[mobiedick]

exactly, after will do the trick!

the guys that i know that compete do it in the morning on a empty stomach and after lifting because the glycogen is used during the weights and u burn fat insted of glycogen.these guys get very lean

 

[cutup]

It is best to cardio as far apart from your weight training as possible.

One recent study has shown that performing cardio exercise before resistance training will reduce strength performance in the gym (The Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research 17;4:638644, 2003)

The research study shows that it is best to perform cardio at least 24 hours apart from strength training for optimal results. However, in the real world it would be very difficult to keep cardio and weight training 24 hours a part.

I would do your cardio at least 12 hours apart from your wiehgt training. I would do like Frosty said and take in some protein about 30 - 45 minutes prior to doing the cardio.

I would do high intensity cardio for no more than 20 minutes to ensure your cortisol levels stay low. High intensity cardio works better for me and it is a lot more fun than getting on a treadmill and walking no where for 30 minutes to an hour.

Good Luck Bro.!