[poppins3]

I know that conventional wisdom says I should do strength work before cardio.

But what if I wait 3-4 hours between my cardio and strength routine? Say, cardio at 9:00 a.m. and weights at 4:00 p.m. Does this work, or should I still do strength first to get the greatest benefits?

I've just gotten into the habit of doing my cardio in the morning -- no real reason why I can't switch it up on the days I also weight train.

Thanks!

[nelie]

The conventional wisdom only applies if you are doing cardio and weight training in the same session (not eating between the sessions). If you are eating between doing cardio and weights then it doesn't apply. Overall, it is what works best for you anyway.

[Meg]

I do it the same way that you do almost every day. Cardio before breakfast at 5:45 am (OK, I'm a little early than you are!) and weights in the afternoon.

The advice to do weights first, then cardio is only referring to when you're doing them in the same workout, with no time off between the two. When you split them up the way that we do, you eat a meal or two and your muscles get to recuperate in between workouts.

Some experts think that splitting up weights and cardio has a beneficial effect on your metabolism because you're boosting your heart rate twice in the same day. Of course, a lot of people just don't have time to split up exercise. But if you can do it, go ahead and do either one first in the morning and the other later in the afternoon.

Have fun!

[poppins3]

Thanks, Nelie and Meg!

I am glad to hear that my way "works."