Prioritize Your Workout- The Debate on Doing Abs Before or After Cardio
Is it better to do abs before or after cardio? This question has been a topic of debate among fitness enthusiasts and professionals alike. While some argue that doing abs before cardio can maximize fat burn, others believe that performing abs after cardio can lead to better results. Let’s explore both sides of the argument to determine which approach is more effective.
Proponents of doing abs before cardio claim that this method can help burn more fat. The theory is that when you perform abs exercises before cardio, you’re engaging in high-intensity workouts that can increase your metabolic rate. This, in turn, leads to a greater number of calories being burned during and after the workout. By doing abs before cardio, you’re essentially “pre-fatiguing” your abdominal muscles, which can increase the fat-burning potential of your cardio session.
On the other hand, those who advocate for doing abs after cardio argue that this approach can lead to better muscle definition. The idea is that cardio exercises, especially high-intensity interval training (HIIT), can deplete your muscle glycogen stores, which can make your abs more visible after the cardio session. Additionally, performing abs after cardio can help you maintain a higher heart rate, which can further enhance the fat-burning process.
One important factor to consider when deciding whether to do abs before or after cardio is your fitness level. If you’re a beginner or have limited time for exercise, it might be more practical to perform abs after cardio. This way, you can focus on your cardio workout without worrying about fatiguing your abs too early. As you progress in your fitness journey and have more time to dedicate to your workouts, you can experiment with both approaches to see which one yields better results for you.
Another aspect to consider is the type of cardio exercise you’re doing. If you’re engaged in a long, steady-state cardio activity like jogging or cycling, doing abs before cardio might be more beneficial. This is because your body will be in a fat-burning state throughout the entire workout. However, if you’re performing a HIIT workout, doing abs after cardio can help you maintain a higher heart rate and continue burning fat even after the workout is over.
In conclusion, whether it’s better to do abs before or after cardio depends on various factors, including your fitness level, the type of cardio exercise, and personal preference. Experimenting with both approaches can help you determine which one works best for you. Remember, the key to achieving great abs is consistency and a well-rounded fitness routine, rather than focusing solely on the order of exercises.
