dumb workout question

I know the best way to lose weight and get in shape is to do both cardio and strenghth training. My question is, does it matter how you work them? For example should I alternate days or do both in the same day.
Secondly if I do them in the same day, does it matter if I do them back to back or break it up, one in the morning and one at night. Sorry if this is confusing! TIA

Re: dumb workout question

That's not a dumb question - that's a good question! The best thing to do is weight training and cardio the same day. If you only have time to do weight training one day and then cardio the next, then you can do that. Or if you only have time to do one in the morning and then the other at night, then do that. If you choose to split them up, it's best to do cardio first thing in the morning on an empty stomach (although I can never do it - I'd pass out from hunger!). You burn more fat on an empty stomach.

But if you do both back to back, it's best to do weight training first and then cardio right after. You don't want to be tired when doing weight training, so that's why you do it first.

Re: dumb workout question

I couldnt workout on a empty stomach, in the am but I never understood how if I did cardio
in the afternoon and didnt eat right, I would feel like crap!

Anyways, not a dumb question and like the poster above stated, cardio is best after a weight training and I tend to alternate days
so Im not killing myself at gym and well, Im always pressed for time so i break the two up in my 5x a wk workout.

Re: dumb workout question

I was just re-thinking my answer; I don't think it would make a difference if you did weights only one day and then cardio only the next. To lose 1 lb in a week, you need to have a 3500 calorie deficit. So it shouldn't matter what type of exercise you do on what day, as long as you have that 3500 calorie deficit by the end of 7 days (which could be a combo of exercise and restricting calories in your diet).

Message edited 6/28/2006 5:52:10 PM.

Re: dumb workout question

Thanks ladies! Well I've started the cardio and will add weights in a day or so. I am going to try to do both in one day, but will split it up if I don't have the time.