Question about strength training 1st

[NRA CHICK]

I have been trying to do my strength training before my cardio per the instructions of my current program. The problem is that when I do my strength training first I almost instantly feel really ill, light headed, and very sleepy.
I then cannot even attempt to do my cardio because I am so out of it. In fact it takes me like 15 minutes just to feel normal again.

I know it's not the meal I eat prior to my workout because I have changed that up but still get the same feeling.

Does anyone else ever feel like this?

Thanks in advance for any responses.

[FUZO]

Re: Question about strength training 1st

do you eat enough before you train, Are you eating any carbs before your work out. Try a energy drink or carb up before you train . But its ok to do cardio first then train. I always do my cardio before I train.

[jamescb77]

Re: Question about strength training 1st

i think it has to do with your nutrition. What are you eating during the day? what time do you train? how long before you workout are you eating? give us more info and we can help you out.

[NRA CHICK]

Re: Question about strength training 1st

Well I usually eat breakfast about 30-40 minutes before I workout and I usually eat eggs & wheat cereal, oatmeal, or PB on wheat toast.

FUZO- nice to hear someone say cardio first is fine, the program I am currently on is pretty insistent on strength training first and I wasn't sure it made that much of a difference so glad it's not mandatory.

I just find it odd that I would feel so crappy from doing strength training first.

[Strella]

Re: Question about strength training 1st

so do you feel ok if you do cardio first then strength train? Are you just starting to train hard again after a long layoff?

[daved150]

Re: Question about strength training 1st

Well I usually eat breakfast about 30-40 minutes before I workout and I usually eat eggs & wheat cereal, oatmeal, or PB on wheat toast.

FUZO- nice to hear someone say cardio first is fine, the program I am currently on is pretty insistent on strength training first and I wasn't sure it made that much of a difference so glad it's not mandatory.

I just find it odd that I would feel so crappy from doing strength training first.

i've seen simalir programs, usually strength based, that suggest this. the idea is, doing cardio first will deplete energy stores and take away from the intensity of the strength training. when i did cardio first, my strength training suffered, and thats a fact.
i also feel your prob is nutrition based. i CANNOT give 110% unless i have 3-4 meals before training! thats why i cant train in the morning. i believe some of us need more fuel in the tank to go all out. and, if STRENGTH training, you need to go all out! with 1 meal, as you described, even though i may be bigger, that wouldnt last me 15mins into a workout before i'd feel as you described! you probobly make it 30-40 mins. try sliding 1 more meal in before you train. see if that helps. give an hour after you eat before you train. you may also want to look into energy supp's. my wife uses muscletech max for women. she hasnt said anything about not having energy since she's been taking them, but she also splits different...cardio first thing in morning, training in afternoon.

[NRA CHICK]

Re: Question about strength training 1st

so do you feel ok if you do cardio first then strength train? Are you just starting to train hard again after a long layoff?

Yeah I feel fine if I do cardio first. I have been a lazy ass for years and trying to stay consistent now.

[NRA CHICK]

Re: Question about strength training 1st

i've seen simalir programs, usually strength based, that suggest this. the idea is, doing cardio first will deplete energy stores and take away from the intensity of the strength training. when i did cardio first, my strength training suffered, and thats a fact.
i also feel your prob is nutrition based. i CANNOT give 110% unless i have 3-4 meals before training! thats why i cant train in the morning. i believe some of us need more fuel in the tank to go all out. and, if STRENGTH training, you need to go all out! with 1 meal, as you described, even though i may be bigger, that wouldnt last me 15mins into a workout before i'd feel as you described! you probobly make it 30-40 mins. try sliding 1 more meal in before you train. see if that helps. give an hour after you eat before you train. you may also want to look into energy supp's. my wife uses muscletech max for women. she hasnt said anything about not having energy since she's been taking them, but she also splits different...cardio first thing in morning, training in afternoon.

Well I just started a new job and don't see myself getting up at 4:30 am to workout so now I guess I will see how I feel once I start my routine in the evening.

Thanks for you input I appreciate it!

[deepsouth]

Re: Question about strength training 1st

Hey Girlie- nice to see ya back. I rotate from before and after on my cardio- don't really notice a difference one way or the other execpt on leg day-LOL

[jamescb77]

Re: Question about strength training 1st

IM with dave hear i think that early in the morning with that small amount of food your body just isn't able to get up and goiong for the heavy loads that your trying to put on it with weight training. I think once you go to evenings you will have much better results. Just remember to get in your meals. You might also want to try a energy supp like dave suggested.

[BABY1]

Re: Question about strength training 1st

The meal that you eat may be enough to get you through the first part of your workout. Remember, strength training can take a lot out of you. Maybe try drinking an energy drink towards the end of the strength training so you get a boost for your cardio session? Also, make sure you are drinking enough water.