Workout or cardio first

 When it comes to exercise, many people wonder whether it's better to do their workout or cardio first. While there is no one-size-fits-all answer, there are a few things to consider when deciding which one to do first.

One consideration is your fitness goals. If you're primarily focused on building strength and muscle mass, it's generally better to do your workout first. This is because strength training can be more taxing on your body than cardio, and you want to have enough energy to perform your exercises with proper form and intensity.

On the other hand, if your main goal is to improve your cardiovascular endurance or burn calories, doing cardio first may be more beneficial. Cardio can help raise your heart rate and warm up your muscles, making it easier to transition into your workout. It can also help improve your overall endurance, which can translate into better performance during your strength training exercises.

Another consideration is the type of cardio you're doing. If you're doing high-intensity interval training (HIIT) or other intense forms of cardio, it may be better to do your workout first. This is because these types of cardio can be very demanding on your body, and you want to make sure you have enough energy and focus to perform your strength training exercises safely and effectively.

On the other hand, if you're doing low-intensity steady-state cardio, such as jogging or walking on a treadmill, it may be better to do it first. This type of cardio is less taxing on your body, and can help you warm up your muscles and get your blood flowing before you start your workout.

Ultimately, the best approach is to experiment and see what works best for you. Try doing your workout first for a few weeks, and then switch to doing cardio first for a few weeks. Pay attention to how you feel during and after each workout, and see which approach helps you perform better and feel more energized.

Regardless of whether you do your workout or cardio first, it's important to make sure you're properly warmed up before you start. This can help reduce the risk of injury and ensure that you're able to perform your exercises with proper form and technique.

To warm up, you can start with some light cardio, such as jogging or jumping jacks, for 5-10 minutes. You can also do some dynamic stretching, such as lunges, leg swings, or arm circles, to help loosen up your muscles and joints.

In conclusion, whether you do your workout or cardio first depends on your fitness goals, the type of cardio you're doing, and what works best for you. Experiment with both approaches, and pay attention to how you feel during and after each workout. And regardless of which one you do first, make sure you're properly warmed up to reduce the risk of injury and improve your performance.