Have you ever wondered whether you should do cardio or strength training first? In today’s Wellness Room video, I’ll show you how to design your workout. It all comes to one vital element — what’s your goal?

To achieve your goals in the fastest time possible, start your workout with the activity (either cardio or strength training) that’s the most supportive to achieving your desired result. For example, if your goal is to lose weight, start your workout with cardio when you’re fresh and energized. Jumping on the treadmill or bike at the start of your exercise session will help you burn more calories when you have ample energy to push through an intense cardio workout.

Benefits of doing cardio before strength training:

• With increased focus and intensity at the beginning of your workout, you can burn more calories
• Increased energy for high-intensity intervals
• Improves endurance and stamina
• Aids in weight management

On the other hand, if your goal is to tone and strengthen beautiful triceps, sculpted buns, or shapely shoulders, your best bet is to complete a  strength training workout before you move on to cardio. This way, your glucose and glycogen stores will be available for an intense strength training workout, so you can receive optimal toning results.

Benefits of doing strength training before cardio:

• Increased energy to perform strength training movements with the proper amount of weight and number of repetitions
• Decreased risk of injury and muscle fatigue while lifting weights
• Promotes balanced pH levels which make it easier to contract your muscles (cardio makes the blood plasma more acidic, making it harder to contract muscles and get the full benefit from strength training)
• Releases cortisol concurrently with testosterone which makes it easier to strengthen the muscles and rebuild them after your workout

When you’re strength training, remember to always have your secret weapons! A set of adjustable resistance tubes help you burn more calories and tone more muscle groups in less time. In fact, a recent study shows that adding resistance tubes to your workout may be better than using free weights alone! For a resistance training routine that will tone any trouble zone, you don’t want to miss my Lift Weights To Lose Weight Kit!

Another way of determining the progression of your workout is to mix it up! Start with cardio one day and then switch it up starting with strength training the next. This will give you enough variety in your workouts to keep your body guessing and to keep you at the top of your game.

Keep in mind that having both cardio and strength training is necessary for a fit, healthy body.