Cardio before strength training is a great way to burn fat and shed weight, but if you’re trying to gain muscle, it can be counterproductive. Cardio burns calories and energy, both of which are essential for building muscle.
Trying to build muscle and lose fat at the same time is a difficult task, so focus on one or the other. Try adding cardio to your strength training routine for muscle growth if you are trying to lose weight.
The benefits of cardio are numerous:
- Weight loss: Burning more calories than you take in is the most obvious benefit of cardio exercise. Weight loss can lead to decreased body fat, which can help you add lean muscle mass when combined with strength training.
- Healthy heart: Cardiovascular exercise strengthens your heart and lungs, which reduces your risk of heart disease and stroke. As your heart grows stronger, it’s able to pump more blood throughout your body with each beat. This improves circulation and increases oxygen levels in your blood. In turn, this leads to better overall health and boosts energy levels throughout the day—both things that make strength training easier.
- More oxygenated blood. Cardio increases your heart rate while working out and then keeps it high for several minutes after you stop exercising. This means your heart is pumping more blood throughout your body and into your muscles during this time period –– giving them more oxygen than when you’re sitting around.
When it comes to building muscle, you can’t overlook cardio. The benefits of doing cardio with weights are numerous. It can increase your metabolism, which is good for weight loss. Your endurance will also improve, which can help you reach your fitness goals faster. Cardio with weights is also a very fun and challenging way to burn calories and build muscle at the same time.
