Cardio Vs Weights: Which One Should You Do First?
If you're like most people, you probably think that the best way to get in shape is to do a combination of cardio and weight training. However, you may be wondering which one you should do first. Here's the thing: both cardio and weights are important for different reasons. Cardio is great for your heart health and burning calories, while weights help to build muscle and improve your overall strength. So, which one should you do first? It really depends on your goals. If you're looking to lose weight, then you should probably start with cardio. But if you're wanting to build muscle and get stronger, then weights should be your first choice. Of course, you don't have to choose one or the other. You can (and should) do both cardio and weights in your workout routine. But if you're stuck on which one to do first, just think about your goals and go from there.
What happens when you choose cardio before weights?
If you've ever gone to the gym and found yourself standing in front of the dumbbells or weight machines unsure of what to do next, you're not alone. It can be tough to know whether to start your workout with cardio or weights. Does it really matter which one you do first? The answer is yes! It turns out that the order in which you do your exercises can make a big difference in your results. If you want to get the most out of your workout, you should always start with weights before doing any cardio. Here's why: when you lift weights, you cause tiny microtears in your muscles. These tears are actually a good thing, because they signal to your body that it needs to rebuild the muscle stronger than before. But in order to do that, your body needs energy. Where does that energy come from? From the food you've eaten recently. So if you've just downed a big plate of pasta or a burger and fries, your body is going to use that energy to repair your muscles instead of using it to power your cardio workout. But if you start your workout with some cardio to get your heart rate up and get yourself sweating, you'll be burning off some of that energy before you start lifting weights. That means your body will have to tap into its stored energy reserves, which are in your muscles and your liver, in order to repair your muscles. This is a good thing! When your body has to access those stored energy reserves, it causes what's known as "metabolic stress." Metabolic stress is a key driver of muscle growth, so by starting your workout with some cardio, you're actually setting yourself up for better results. So next time you head to the gym, remember to start with some cardio before hitting the weights. Your muscles will thank you!
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You've Been Doing Squats Wrong This Entire Time
You’ve Been Doing Squats Wrong This Entire Time We’ve all been there. You’re in the gym, trying to work on your lower body, and you think to yourself, “I’ll just do some squats.” So you go to the squat rack, load up the bar, and get started. But something doesn’t feel quite right. Your form is off, you’re not getting deep enough, your knees are caving in, and you just can’t seem to get it right. Sound familiar? If you’ve been struggling with your squats, it’s probably because you’ve been doing them wrong this entire time. But don’t worry, you’re not alone. In fact, most people have been doing squats wrong their whole lives. The good news is that there are a few simple fixes that can make all the difference in your squat form. By following these simple tips, you’ll be squatting like a pro in no time. 1. Stop Letting Your Knees Cave In One of the most common mistakes people make when squatting is letting their knees cave in. This puts unnecessary stress on your knees and can lead to injury. To fix this, focus on keeping your knees in line with your toes as you squat down. This will ensure that your knees stay safe and healthy. 2. Get Low Another common mistake people make is not squatting low enough. This not only puts unnecessary stress on your knees, but it also means you’re not getting the full benefit of the exercise. To fix this, make sure you’re squatting low enough so that your thighs are parallel with the ground. This will ensure you’re getting the most out of your squat. 3. Don’t Bounce When you reach the bottom of your squat, it’s tempting to bounce back up. But this is actually a bad idea. Bouncing puts unnecessary stress on your knees and can lead to injury. Instead, focus on using your leg muscles to slowly and controlled stand back up. This may seem like it takes more effort, but it’s actually better for your body in the long run. 4. Use a Full Range of Motion When you’re squatting, it’s important to use a full range of motion. This means going all the way down, so that your thighs are parallel with the ground, and then all the way back up. Not only does using a full range of motion ensure you’re getting the most out of your squat, but it also helps to prevent injury. 5. Breathe It may seem like a small thing, but breathing is actually very important when squatting. Holding your breath puts unnecessary stress on your body and can lead to dizziness or even fainting. Instead, focus on taking deep breaths as you squat. This will help to keep you calm and focused, and will also prevent you from holding your breath. By following these simple tips, you can be sure you’re doing your squats correctly. So next time you’re in the gym, don’t be afraid to give them a try. Your body will thank you.
Different squats work different muscle groups
There are a million and one squat variations out there. But which ones are the best for targeting specific muscle groups? And how do you know which squat will work which muscles? Here’s a quick guide to some of the most popular squats and which muscles they target: 1. Standard Squat: This one is a classic. It targets your quads, glutes, and hamstrings. 2. Sumo Squat: This squat variation targets your inner thighs and glutes. 3. Pistol Squat: This advanced squat targets your quads and glutes. 4. Jump Squat: This squat variation targets your quads and glutes. 5. Bulgarian Split Squat: This advanced squat targets your quads, glutes, and hamstrings. 6. Overhead Squat: This advanced squat targets your quads, shoulders, and core. So, there you have it! A quick guide to some of the most popular squat variations and which muscles they target. Now get out there and squat your way to a stronger, healthier body!