I've always ran after lifting because I heard it's better...but, I also read arguments to run before lifting...

Opinions?

 

After for sure. You want to keep your strength for the lifting. But a 10-15 minute warm up on the tread mill is a good idea.

 

Keep them on separate days.

 

I run roughly a mile to the gym. Lift for about an hour. cardio for 30-45 minutes, then run the same mile back.

Otherwise, if I drive, I usually do cardio afterwards.

 

I recently read that people have a more effective workout after cardio. I don't remember the source though.

 

Ya, thats why I think 15 minutes warm up is a good idea. I find I have alot more strength this way, vs jumping into weights completely cold.

 

After, definitely.

 

I just seperate the 2 by a few hours. Like run in the morning, lift in the afternoon

 

I like doing cardio before hitting weights for a warm-up. And I only run AFTER a work-out to cool down... I might jump on a bike or walk on the treadmill (simulated hill, like 8-10% incline) for 10-15 minutes.

Sometimes I'll do intense cardio stuff, but I generally stay away from weights when I do.

 

you'll benefit more by doin them on different days

 

If i do , do the cardio on the same day, i do it after i lift, so i have enough energy for the actual lifting.

 

X2

Definitely - ask any well respected trainer.

 

It depends on your goals. If muscle addition is the primary goal then cardio should be done preferable about 8 hours after lifting. Because most of us do not make money off of our muscles (for you that have them that is), the second best is after lifting or on separate days.

 

IMO 15 min is a little too long for a warm up. 10 would be the max in a case where muscle building is of outmost priority and zero would be ultimate with warmup being on a targeted basis. That is, warming up by executing the exact lift before any overload or acclimations sets.

The fact that you feel more energetic after a 15 min warm up on the treadmill is no surprise due to what happens with one's circulatory system and the effects of those changes.

 

so what if your goal is to get toned and lose the pounds

 

how about this...

strengthwise i am pretty much where i want to be, but i want to trim down and keep the same mass...

i ussually do 30 min of cardio before lifting and then if i have time i will do another 10-5 min or cardio afterwards...

is that a good idea for my goals or should i try organizing it a different way...it has helped me trim down but i was wondering if a different combo might yield even better results?

 

definately after. the logic behind it is that you will have more strength/energy for your weight lifting because your body is using the glycogen in your body. when it comes time for cardio, you will have used up most of your glycogen stores, so your body will resort to fat for energy.

 

If you want to lean out you'll get the best results by changing your diet.

In the grand scheme of things when you do it doesn't matter a ton. However, I'm inclined to think that if you can do 30 minutes of cardio before your workout and then more after, you aren't lifting hard enough