Hi Clyde, I've heard that there is a difference in results if cardiovascular training comes before or after weight training. I am wondering what are the differences. Also, if cardiovascular training is done afterwards, how long does it have to be done to affect the weight training results (1/2 to 1 hour)? Thanks.
Hi Colin,
Muscle generates energy from sugar 3 times faster than it does from fat. For this reason, when lifting weights, the body uses sugar, not fat, as the energy source. During cardiovascular training (CVT), the body will use sugars if you are sprinting, and an equal mixture of fats and sugars if you are walking, and will reduce the percentage of fat being used as you go faster and faster. In addition, the body will use more sugars for fuel if there is more sugar available. Therefore, if you burn your sugars while lifting weights and then go running, your body will use whatever fuel is left i.e. fats. If you do CVT first, your body will use more sugars simply because there are more available and then, during weight lifting, will have less sugars, making the weight lifting less effective.
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