Abbey Hermiston is a renowned weightlifting professional and influential social media figure. She has participated in diverse national and international weightlifting competitions, earning recognition for her exceptional lifts and unwavering commitment to the sport. Abbey leverages her digital platform to motivate and enlighten others about the advantages of weightlifting.
When it comes to incorporating conditioning training into your weightlifting routine, the order in which you do it can make a difference. While there is no one-size-fits-all answer, there are a few factors to consider when deciding whether to do conditioning before or after strength training.
1. Your goals:
If your primary goal is to improve your strength and power, it's generally recommended to prioritize strength training before conditioning. This allows you to perform your strength exercises with maximum effort and focus, without being fatigued from conditioning exercises beforehand.
On the other hand, if your main goal is to improve your cardiovascular fitness or endurance, doing conditioning exercises before strength training can help you get the most out of your cardio workout. This way, you can push yourself harder during your conditioning session, knowing that you have fresh energy reserves.
2. Energy levels:
Consider your energy levels when deciding the order of your workouts. If you typically have more energy earlier in the day, it may be beneficial to do your strength training first. This way, you can take advantage of your peak energy levels to lift heavier weights and perform more challenging exercises.
On the other hand, if you find that your energy levels are higher later in the day, you may want to start with conditioning exercises. This can help you warm up your body, increase your heart rate, and get your blood flowing before moving on to strength training.
3. Recovery:
Consider how your body recovers from different types of exercises. If you find that your body needs more time to recover from intense conditioning workouts, it may be best to do them after your strength training. This way, you can prioritize recovery and ensure that you're able to give your all during your strength training session.
On the other hand, if you recover quickly from conditioning exercises and find that they don't impact your strength training performance, you may choose to do them before strength training to maximize the benefits of both types of training.
4. Personal preference:
Ultimately, the order of your workouts should align with your personal preferences and what feels best for your body. Some individuals may find that they perform better when they do conditioning before strength training, while others may prefer the opposite order.
Experiment with different orders and listen to your body to determine what works best for you. Remember, consistency is key, so choose an order that you can stick to in the long run.
In conclusion, whether you choose to do conditioning training before or after strength training depends on your goals, energy levels, recovery needs, and personal preferences. There is no one-size-fits-all answer, so it's important to find what works best for you and allows you to optimize both types of training.
If you're unsure about how to structure your weightlifting and conditioning schedule, consider consulting with a qualified strength and conditioning coach who can provide personalized guidance based on your specific needs and goals.