Whether you should gym or run first depends on your fitness goals.
Here's a breakdown to help you decide:
Cardio Before Strength Training
- Goal: Improve cardiovascular endurance and burn calories.
- Benefit: Running before weightlifting warms up your body, preparing it for exercise.
- Reference: As noted on 23-Jan-2024, "If you aim to improve cardiovascular endurance and burn calories, running before the workout can be beneficial."
Strength Training Before Cardio
- Goal: Build strength and muscle.
- Benefit: Running after your workout helps avoid fatigue during weightlifting, allowing you to lift heavier and more effectively.
- Reference: On 23-Jan-2024 it was stated that "if your focus is on building strength and muscle, consider running after your workout to avoid fatigue during weightlifting."
Table Summary
| Goal | Order | Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| Improve Cardio & Burn Calories | Run First | Warms up the body and primes for exercise. |
| Build Strength & Muscle | Gym First | Avoids fatigue during weightlifting, enabling better muscle growth. |
Practical Considerations:
- Time: If you are short on time, doing the activity that best aligns with your current goal first is a great approach.
- Personal Preference: Some people find they perform better with cardio or strength first. Experiment to find your ideal approach.
- Type of Run: A light jog as a warm-up is different from a full-blown long-distance run. Adjust your timing based on this.
Ultimately, consider your fitness goals and listen to your body.
