Lifting and Running in same session

skibum231 · 17-Feb-04, 02:27 PM

Quick question---what do you think about running and lifting in the same session? I am in shape, have good size and build, and a decnt BF% (diet is ok too)....just looking get even 'tighter'...so i want to run as much as possible without cutting back on my lifting. I usually run 2-4 times a week, but i want to up it to 4-7 times a week. I already lift 5 days a week. So if i were to go for a brisk 1.5-2 mile run before or after lifting...thats ok right?
Thanks

phantom · 17-Feb-04, 02:41 PM

Do the extra cardio after your weight trainging.

physelite · 19-Feb-04, 06:21 PM

If you want to decrease bodyfat, make sure 2-3 of your weekly aerobic workouts contain sprint or interval training. This type of workout is great for fat loss, better than regular aerobics. You'll burn fat for a longer period of time following your workout than regular aerobics plus spare your muscle mass.

I have an interval training workout I can post if you like.

**Firehawk** · 19-Feb-04, 06:45 PM

I also do interval training, but on OPPOSITE DAYS. I hvae read quite a bit and also believe, that if you do cardio after weight training, immediately after, that you run the risk of hindering muscle growth and strength because it breaks down the glycogen stores too much in your muscle, hence not allowing them time to prepare.

A general practice is to do cardio and weight training with a separation of 8 hours between sessions, or the most preferred, is to do them on alternating days.

**cursor** · 19-Feb-04, 07:05 PM

Note that by doing brief, high intensity interval aerobics you can be done in no time at all (although totally wiped out!) That will allow you to still have your post-workout nutrition within the "window of opportunity" (when your body is the most metabolically active and thirsty for the 'good-stuff').

jogym · 20-Feb-04, 07:28 AM

I also do weights then cardio on the same days as I train only 3 days a week and to be honest it's hard sometimes getting to do the 3 days. Does this mean that I wont get as good definition if I'm doing it this way and not separating the two on different days.

**Firehawk** · 20-Feb-04, 03:42 PM

It means you may be depleting the glycogen in your muscles too much and thus you could be hindering muscle growth and repair.

It seems the consensus is to do alternating days. I realize some people cant work out 6 days a week, but doing cardio immediately after weight training is harder on your muscle in a negative way, not a positive way.