This one mistake could be keeping you from your goals…

Let’s talk about cardio and the best time to do it.

I’m all for cardio- even just a simple walk helps mentally, burns calories, and is great for cardiovascular health.

Here’s something you should know if walking is all you’re doing: the oxygen you consume or calories your burn essentially tapers off once you complete your walk. If you were to try intervals, say one minute hard, one minute easy, this can make a big impact on EPOC, Excess Post Oxygen Consumption, and make your walk worth your time and effort.

If you want to accelerate your progress, the number one thing you should be adding in is lifting. Building lean muscle increases your basal metabolic rate, or the rate you naturally burn calories just living, helps increase bone mineral density, and lowers the chance of injury (when done correctly).

Now, here’s the common mistake I see over and over again for those lifting AND doing cardio:

Doing cardio BEFORE you lift.

This depletes glycogen stores in the muscle and decreases the output of your lift.

You could be doing the exact same amount of work for your workout, and be getting SO many more benefits.

Switch that cardio to AFTER you lift.

This will maximize the output lifting, which is most important. You’ve already got your EPOC revving for the next 24-28 hours, and adding cardio on top of that post-lift? Chef’s kiss.

Key Points to Remember:

• Doing cardio pre-lift taxes your energy systems that heavier lifts require as well.

• If you do cardio before you lift, you’re lowering the effects of the enzyme responsible for building muscle.

• Cardio AFTER a lift helps with recovery.

• Cardio AFTER increases oxygen delivery to your muscles.

I hope this helps!

Taylor

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