How often should I do cardio if I lift weights?

“Approximately 30 to 40 minutes of cardio three to four times per week is typical of serious weightlifters and figure competitors,” says Giamo. “This amount of cardio will allow for muscle maintenance and strength gains without sacrificing the benefits of strength training.”

How many times a week should I do cardio and weight training?

If you’re trying to lose weight, you should aim for doing cardio at least five days per week for a total of at least 250 minutes (4 hours, 10 minutes) each week. Contrary to what many believe, you can do aerobic exercise seven days per week. If this goal seems daunting for you, start slow.

Can you lift weights and do cardio on the same day?

Bottom line: Combining workouts is fine, and the order of your workout should be a matter of personal preference. Keep in mind, though, that doing a long cardio session before lifting weights may slightly delay your recovery time—a good reason to give yourself a few days off afterward.

Should I add cardio to my weight training?

The majority of fitness experts will advise you to do the cardio after the weight training, because if you do cardio first, it uses up much of the energy source for your anaerobic work (strength training) and fatigues the muscles before their most strenuous activity.

Should I mix cardio and weight training?

Put simply, cardio will only burn muscle when you give it no other choice. Balance in your training and in your diet will prevent muscle loss. A healthy combination of strength and cardio training will allow your body to perform at its best, letting the two systems complement each other rather than compete.

How long after cardio should I lift weights?

If you are going to do two separate workout sessions in one day, just make sure to leave enough time in between for your body to recover—around eight hours between high-intensity cardio and lifting weights, Bowling says.

Is it OK to do cardio after weight training?

Should I do cardio after lifting?