So I was reading a article today about the best time to do cardio in your workout. The author stated that on the advice of a personal trainer at a local gym they were instructed to do their cardio after resistance training. Well I would like to set the record straight on a few things.

First I must tell you that the topic of when to do cardio has been a long debated subject. The main reason that people often say not to do cardio exercise before weight resistance training is it will lessen the amount you will be able to lift. This is a problem for power lifters and those people looking to increase the amount of weight they lift. And then there is the rest of us. The average person is not going for a one time max lift. For most of us, we are trying to lose weight and gain lean muscle mass. The way that this is done is by raising the heart rate to an optimal level and keeping it there for an extended period of time. When this is done, the metabolism is raised and fat is burned. Incorporated with resistance training, lean muscles mass is gained, further burning fat.

Anyone that has read any of my previous blogs or followed any of my tweets (@nmotionfitness) will realize I advocate high intensify low rest workouts. With these types of workouts you not only maximize your workout time, you also maximize the benefits of your workout. Although I usually warm up with jumping rope followed by a quick 2 mile warm-up run before I do my real workout, my whole workout consists of a mixture of cardio and resistance training. I am a firm believer in a very intense workout. The intensity of a workout is evident from the results that you get from the workout. As Arnold said, "Intensity is a measure of what you get out if your training, not what you put in it." I have tried many different methods of training. I have found if you want to look fit, trim, and full of well defined "cut" lean muscles, the high intensity, metabolic cardio resistance training method is the way to go.

Cardio is very important in fat burning. As stated earlier, the raising of the heart rate is key in this process. But cardio alone is not the answer. Your body will plateau after prolonged periods of cardio, leading to the eventual loss of lean muscle. This is anti-productive, and why I only do a brief period of cardio in the start of my workout. By staring my workout with strictly cardio I can raise my heart rate to the needed levels. With my heart elevated, I go right into the resistance portion of my workout. I mix body weight resistance and free weights, doing multiple grouped sets or super sets with little or no rest. By not resting, I am bringing a cardiovascular element to the workout ,moving quickly form one exercise to another. In this way my heart rate stays constantly elevated, and I am stressing my muscles causing the production of lean muscle mass.

In an article I wrote for this page about metabolic cardio, I explained how the body uses energy and more of the benefits that come from metabolic cardio type workouts. I suggest you read it to learn more, or why not get in contact with us at N-Motion Fitness and we will be more than happy to explain about our approach - why, and how it works, and what we can do for you.

About the Author:
Jason Moss is the founder, owner and sole trainer at N-Motion Fitness.  His goal as a fitness professional is to serve as your healthy lifestyle coach. His desire is to be your trusted resource for sensible guidance and clear direction in your pursuit of a healthy, active lifestyle.   Fitness has been a passion of mine for years. Jason is a Certified Personal Trainer, and has years of experience helping others achieve their fitness goals.