Cardio vs Weights: Which Should Come First

The order of cardio and weights in a single session is a smaller decision than most people assume, but it does depend on the main goal of that workout.

If strength is the priority

Lifting first, while energy is highest, tends to produce better performance on the lifts. Doing cardio first can pre-fatigue muscles and reduce the weight or reps you’re able to manage.

If cardio is the priority

Reverse the order — an easy warm-up lift followed by the main cardio session preserves energy for the part of the workout that matters most that day.

For general fitness

If neither is a specific priority, order matters less than simply doing both consistently across the week. Splitting them into separate sessions on different days is also a completely valid option.

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