When it comes to the benefits of doing strength training or cardio first, the evidence is mixed. Some research shows that cardio first is better, because doing resistance training first may increase a person’s sense of exercise effort, which may make your workout motivation dwindle more quickly.
Conversely, other studies have shown that doing strength training first is better because it depletes the body’s carbohydrates stores, which means it may burn slightly more fat for fuel. We asked Holly Rilinger, a Nike master trainer, for her take.
Coach, trainer, and 10-year veteran of the fitness world, Holly Rilinger is known as one of the most inspiring motivational trainers in the game.
References
Ross, J. (2015). Which should come first: cardio or strength training? ACE Fitness.
Schumann, M., et al. (2014). The order effect of combined endurance and strength loadings on force and hormone responses: effects of prolonged training. European Journal of Applied Physiology.
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