Excercise question: 1)Weight lift then Jog -or- 2)Jog then weight lift?

[cjchaps]

I have limited time to go to the gym, and I want to work out my upper body by lifting weights, and then get some aerobic exercise in by jogging.

Is it better to:

1)Lift then run
2)Run then lift
3)Doesn't make a difference

 

[GL]

As usual it depends. If you want to build mass it is better to lift then jog. If you want to get cut, jog then lift.

 

[Forever42]

I had a personal trainer for a few weeks (gift from aunt for prom) a year or so ago and he always said to work up a sweat (eg, jogging), then do weights.

 

[mdennison]

2. It gets the blood flowing and stretches you out before working out.

 

[StageLeft]

To a great degree its what you prefer. WHen I run first i'm far too sweaty to go and do weights because i cover the benches in sweat and look/smell awful. On the plus it serves as a great warm up. On the negative if can suck away some energy that you'll then not have for weights. On the plus its hard running if you just worked legs. It doesn't really matter

 

[vi edit]

Run, then lift for me. That way I get my muscles warmed up, and limbered up before hitting the weights. I can do heavier lifts this way than the other way.

 

[cjchaps]

It's sounds like running then lifting is the way to go. I'm not looking to become the incredible hulk, just more toned and get rid of the spare tire that is inflating around my mid section

 

[StageLeft]

As long as your run isn't very long the added benefits of a warm up will probably allow you to do more weight. If you run a marathon first of course you won't be able to lift much.

Last couple of times i said to hell with it and ran first anyway because nobody else is at the apartment gym that time of night and I liked it.

 

[NelsonMuntz]

How about running then lifting then running again? The first run is a warm up (longer duration at higher speed) and the last run is a cool down (shorter duration at a slower speed). I used to do this on a bike before and after workouts it worked great for me.

 

[boyRacer]

<< 2. It gets the blood flowing and stretches you out before working out. >>



Exactly. That's what I've read in fitness magazines.

 

[gregshin]

all you have to soon is lightly jog to get your heart rate up and then hit the weights. Try running for about 45min after you lift so you can get all cut up instead of just being big. Have you ever thought about taking supplements?

 

[Parrotheader]

I'm with NelsonMuntz. I usually jog first, then lift, and then run again (if I have time.) However, I don't jog very much BEFORE the workout. I just do a little bit (maybe a half-mile or so) to loosen up and get going. That way your energy's not sapped as much when you hit the weights. I don't know about you, but if I tried to run any substantial distance before a workout it drains me MUCH more than doing it the other way around. In fact, the hardest part about running after you've lifted weights is just holding your arms up. My shoulders are usually good and tired by then and the sheer weight of my hands and arms gets heavy after you've been running for 15 minutes.

 

[Tauren]

Depends on your goals and how much cardio you plan on doing. A light warm before working out will help burn more calories and loosen up muscles, but won't affect your stamina during a workout. Prolonged cardio before a workout and you will fatigue sooner.


IMHO -

Mass gain: light cardio after.
Mass gain and fat loss: light cardio before and after.
Fat loss: Prolonged cardio before with high lighter reps during workout.