How To Combine CARDIO and WEIGHT TRAINING for Fat Loss

In this video you'll learn how to structure your workouts to include both cardio and weight training for building muscle and losing fat.

Download Lee's Bodybuilding App: leehayward.com/app

3 Keys To Building Muscle: leehayward.com/muscle-building

Bodybuilding Nutrition Made Simple: leehayward.com/diet

Join the TFB Inner Circle: totalfitnessbodybuilding.com

Get Coached By Lee: leehayward.com/coaching

Facebook: facebook.com/total.fitness.bodybuilding

Just the other day I received this question through the Total Fitness Bodybuilding App...

-------------------------
"Hello Lee, I love your app and your YouTube channel. I have a question I want to lift weights and do cardio in the same day, but I don't know how to begin?

When I'm finished with lifting weights do I need to do cardio right after without no break ?

Do I need to eat something or drink something before I begin with cardio ?

I don't wanna lose my gains, how long must i wait to do cardio after I finished with lifting weights ?

All my life I've been fat, I just want to make some changes in my life can you help me ?

Thank you so much,
Greetings from Holland
Sully"
-------------------------

When it comes to combining cardio and weight training, a lot of people over think it and make it way more complicated than it needs to be. The details of when you do your cardio and when you do your weight training doesn't matter nearly as much as many people think.

If you break it down and start analyzing it, you'll find pros and cons to all the different theories of how to structure your workouts. As long as you workout consistently over the long term you can make progress regardless of when you do cardio and weight training.

But here is my 2 cents worth on the topic...

If you are going to perform cardio and weight training together in the same workout, I recommend starting with weight training first and then doing cardio afterwards.

The reason for this is that I believe that weight training should take priority over cardio if your goal is to build muscle AND lose fat. I personally treat cardio as a fat burning supplement to your weight training workouts.

By doing weight training first your strength and energy levels are highest and you'll be able to push yourself harder, lift heavier, etc. Then after you finish weight training your glycogen levels will be somewhat depleted and you'll be better able to tap into burning stored bodyfat for energy when you do cardio afterwards. In addition to this your heart rate and core temperature will already be elevated from weight training so you'll quickly get into your "fat burning zone" when doing cardio after weight training.

As for having a "post workout shake" or "post workout meal", if you're going to have this, then wait until you finish BOTH your weight training and cardio. There's no point in drinking a post workout shake right after weight training, and then jumping on the treadmill with a shake sloshing around in your belly. You are better off waiting until you finish your entire exercise session before consuming your post workout nutrition.