Weightlifting: Before or after an aerobic workout?

Is it better to lift weights before or after an aerobic workout?

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Answer

If you want to include both weightlifting and aerobic exercise in the same workout, it's generally best to lift weights first. You'll have more energy at the beginning of your workout, which may result in a more productive weightlifting session. If you save the weightlifting until after your aerobic workout, you may be too fatigued to lift weights with proper form. This could lead to injury. Better yet, lifting weights first can boost your fat-burning power during the aerobic part of your workout. The principle is simple. Weightlifting can deplete your "quick burst" energy (glycogen) stores. When you do your aerobic workout after lifting weights, you'll likely burn less glycogen and more stored fat.

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