Exercise

Is it harmful to do cardio before weight training?

Fabulous Community
2 response(s)

Is it harmful to do cardio before weight training?

Fabulous CoachBehavioral Science AssistantRecommended AnswerAI Summary

Doing cardio before weight training isn’t inherently harmful, but it can affect your performance. If your goal is to build strength, consider prioritizing weight training when your energy levels are highest. However, if cardiovascular fitness is your main focus, starting with cardio can be beneficial. To create a balanced routine, you might alternate days or combine both types of exercise in a way that aligns with your fitness goals. Listening to your body and finding what works for you is key to developing lasting healthy habits.

Jennifer F.

Hi! It’s not harmful but I would take caution to doing high intensity cardio before lifting weights for a couple of reasons. If you do heavy cardio before lifting, you might not be able to lift as much weight, with the proper form, due to exhausting yourself with cardio. If you plan to do intense cardio AND weightlifting in the same day, I would break them up into two different sessions or lift weights then do the cardio.

Answers reflect the personal experiences of Fabulous community members. They are not medical or professional advice — for guidance about your health, talk to a qualified professional.