Weight Traning and Cardio

Hi! I'm new to the forum and have been reading through previous threads. There were a few comments made about not doing any cardio prior to weight lifting, but to do it afterwards for the best results.

Well, my question to those of you who do this: what is your warm-up routine? I was always told to spend about 10 minutes warming up, be it on the tread-mill or bike just to get the "fluids" going. Normally I streatch before my warm-up as well.

After this I do my circuts lifting weights and head back to the cardio machines for a more intense workout and cool down before my final stretch.

Any thoughts?

Thanks so much!!

[charlotte]

My workout regime is stretching (just basics) and then jogging for 5 minutes, biking for 5 minutes. It gets me moving.

I just stretch for my warm-up routine. I really don't see the benefit of anything more difficult, I just run through my normal exercise.

For warm up I do treadmill for 12 minutes. After weight lifting I just do stretching for cooling down .

i strech for my warm up. Cardio before for a warm up isnt that important. It just makes the muscles easier to strech and flex during your weight lifting.

[charlotte]

I never knew that cardio didn't help that much, Stephanie. Thanks!!

Like charlotte and Stephanie, I just stretch. I've never cramped up or hurt or anything like that.

It can still help in many ways. But as a warm-up, its not the only option.

[pascalevdb]

To get the most benefit from stretching it should be done AFTER your workout. Think of salt water taffy--if you pull on it when its cold, it will break. If it's warm--it can be pulled and stretched. So for your workout, head to a treadmill or a bike for 8-12 minutes. From there, go straight to your weights, then head back to do your cardio.....then stretch. And when I mean stretch, I mean hold each stretch for 20-30 seconds. Most people hold stretches for about 5 seconds. Take your time during your stretch--you deserve it, after weight training and cardio--take at least 5 minutes. Not only will it improve your flexibility, but it will enhance your state of mind.

I just read an article that said doing wight training along with cardio keeps you from getting sore?? Seems to have worked for me in the 8 months I have been woking out didn't know why I didn't get sore.