Cardio, strength training, stretching-which first? - Exercise & Fitness Message Board

GettingWellAgain · 11-18-2003, 09:37 AM

What is the "correct" order of exercise? Do I do strength training first, then cardio, then stretching? Cardio first, strength training, and then stretching? Stretching first? I was watching some show where a trainer was saying something about always doing strength training before cardio but I never did that....
Your replies are greatly appreciated

ATsoccergirl · 11-18-2003, 10:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Solstice1221

What is the "correct" order of exercise? Do I do strength training first, then cardio, then stretching? Cardio first, strength training, and then stretching? Stretching first? I was watching some show where a trainer was saying something about always doing strength training before cardio but I never did that....
Your replies are greatly appreciated

I have always recommended cardio first then strength training. The strength training will help get rid of the accumulated lactic acid. I encourage stretching before and after activity.

Chasedog · 11-18-2003, 11:16 AM

IMO, warm-up with 5 minutes cardio, strength training, cardio, and then stretching.

A good warm-up is a must, but I like to have optimal energy for the weights. Cardio after will help burn off more fat, the weights help to mobilize fat tissue. Always do stretching last. Stretching is important to maintain and increase flexibility preventing injuries. If you do stretching first, you can create small muscle tears which can make injury more likely. I know many sports teams warm-up with stretching but how often do you see pros out of action with muscle tears?

never2L8 · 11-18-2003, 02:32 PM

It depends on what you are aiming for. If you are trying to increase your strength with weights, do a warm up, weights and then cardio. This way you feel fresh for the weights and can push yourself. If you are lifting for fitness and toning, you can do cardio first, then weights. I find stretching at the end works best and extra stretching can be done anywhere at anytime.
With strength training, stretch the muscles you will be working in between the warm up and the weights and a stretch of the worked muscle between sets is good too.

Endorphin Junky · 11-18-2003, 03:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Solstice1221

What is the "correct" order of exercise? Do I do strength training first, then cardio, then stretching? Cardio first, strength training, and then stretching? Stretching first? I was watching some show where a trainer was saying something about always doing strength training before cardio but I never did that....
Your replies are greatly appreciated

Fat loss: Cardio warm up, strength training, main cv workout, stretch.
Muscle gain: Cardio and weights on seperate days (or at least at different times). Always cardio warm up first and stretch at end. Cv at moderate intensity.
Increase performance in cardio exercise: Cardio warm up, main cv, weights (perhaps even on seperate day/time, depending on goals), stretch.

Probably worth stretching between sets during strength training too.