Sometimes when coaching we get asked whether its ok to do cardio before weights? We have always said no as we’ve personally found it effects the power output we can give when doing resistance works, and now there is science to back this.
Read on…
What was previously suggested if I do cardio first?
It was suggested previously that Anaerobic activity (i.e. cardio) can impair resistance training if done before lifting. This is to say, it will possibly lower strength and in the longer term, mean less muscle is made.
So what do researchers say to do avoid hunger/snacking for breakfast?
A study by the University Of Memphis lead by Jacob Reed found that by doing anaerobic for 45 minutes before squatting made those study unable to lift the same number of reps and weight as compared to when they were doing squats alone. Bench press movements were not effected.
What did they conclude?
One should chose and design ones fitness programs around ones goals. One may negatively effect long term goals by the order of ones fitness program and its content. It would be reasonable to conclude that anaerobic activity should come after resistance training if muscle gain/retention is ones said goal.
Data taken from Journal Strength Conditioning Research, 2013.
Thanks for reading!
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Another important aspect of training is supplementation. PROZIS products we use consistently to help with our training and recovery:
Intra-Workout BCAA
Post-workout Whey Protein
