Weights or cardio first

Covers whether you should lift weights or do cardio first in the same workout, based on your primary goal—fat loss, muscle gain, endurance, or performance. Learn how exercise order affects strength output, hypertrophy signals, conditioning quality, and recovery so you can train smarter.

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The essentials for weights or cardio first — then explore the latest posts below.

Weights or cardio first? The evidence-based order that gets men results faster

Dr. Bruno Rodriguez, DPT, CSCS: Strength, Recovery, and Physical Therapy Expert

Jan 17, 2026 · 11 min read

If you lift and do cardio in the same session, the order can change what you get out of the workout. Here is what the research says about doing weights or cardio first, and how to set up your week for muscle, endurance, and long-term health. “When men ask me ‘weights or cardio first,’ I ...