Is it better to run or lift first?
James Craig
Published Jan 13, 2026
The short answer that everyone is looking for can be condensed. If you want to build muscle, run first. If you want to build your endurance and aerobic capacity, run last. Essentially, your body's adaptive response is greater for the type of exercise that you finish your workout doing.
Is it better to run before or after lifting?
The majority of fitness experts will advise you to do the cardio after the weight training, because if you do cardio first, it uses up much of the energy source for your anaerobic work (strength training) and fatigues the muscles before their most strenuous activity.
Should I run and lift on the same day?
Run prior to lifting (on the day you do both) with at least nine hours of recovery in between if you're running at a low-to-moderate intensity the next day. Avoid high-intensity runs the day after same-day lifting and running, regardless of whether you ran or lifted first the day before.
Is it better to run in the morning or lift weights?
You can run in the morning and hit the gym in the evening to lift if that suits your lifestyle and fitness goals. Running increases your cardiovascular endurance, while lifting weights develops your muscular strength and increases your lean muscle mass, according to Georgia State University.
Is it better to do cardio or weights first for weight loss?
Weights should also come first if your main goal is weight loss. Doing cardio after weight training burned more fat during the first 15 minutes of that cardio workout versus starting with cardio and then lifting, according to a study published in Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise.
33 related questions foundIs it bad to run after lifting?
It's definitely OK to run after lifting weights — and it's also OK to lift weights after running.
Should I do more cardio or weights to lose belly fat?
Cardio has been shown to specifically reduce visceral fat, meaning belly fat. While it's clear weight training burns fat better than cardio, cardio training may target the waistline more specifically than lifting weights. That's a huge benefit, as many people are actively seeking to cut inches around the midsection.
Should I workout on an empty stomach in the morning?
It's often recommended that you work out first thing in the morning before eating breakfast, in what's known as a fasted state. This is believed to help with weight loss. However, working out after eating may give you more energy and improve your performance.
Is it better to workout before or after work?
If you find that you're too sluggish in the morning, then after work may suit you better. However, if you find that a morning workout leaves you energised and ready to tackle the day, then stick to a before-work workout!
Is it OK to lift weights on empty stomach?
Just to be clear: Training with weights on an empty stomach is not a good idea. While you may burn a little more fat during the workout, your cortisol will be higher and you will burn muscle tissue. Plus, your energy level will be lousy because of low blood sugar.
Should I run after deadlifts?
Run for power the day after a deadlift workout. The soreness and fatigue the day after a deadlift workout will limit your speed and endurance, so work on building good technique. Run up hills, which helps develop proper foot strike, and the extra effort will force your legs to work harder, improving your conditioning.
Does running build leg muscle?
And while running can absolutely build leg strength, it's wise to consider supplementing your cardio workouts with weight lifting, swimming, yoga or Pilates to further target muscles that can also inform your running form, gait efficiency and bone strength.
Is it better to run before or after eating?
In general, it's recommended to eat before running. This gives your body the fuel it needs to exercise safely and efficiently. If you prefer to run on an empty stomach, stick to light to moderate running. Take a break if you start to feel lightheaded.
Is running a full body workout?
While running is a whole-body workout, you primarily use your core and lower body muscles. It's important to keep these key muscles strong and healthy since they're responsible for stability, proper form, and spinal alignment — all of which help you perform at your highest capacity with maximum efficiency.
Should you do abs before or after cardio?
You'll get more out of your ab workout if you do it before cardio because you'll have more energy, "which will allow you to train with more intensity," Lee explained.
How soon will I see results from lifting weights?
It can take about three to four weeks to see a visible change. You'll see some real results after 12 weeks, but it "all depends on your goals, and what type of strength training you are doing," says Haroldsdottir.
Is it good to run before work?
Rather than drinking numerous cups of coffee to feel awake, which can leave you shaking and feeling irritable, running before work is a natural way to wake up your body. When we do exercise, like running, the brain releases natural 'feel-good' hormones endorphins. These make you feel more energetic, awake and happier.
What is the best time of day to build muscle?
Hitting the gym in the evening also has great benefits, especially if you're looking to build muscle. The body's muscles tend to be weaker during the morning and gradually increase in strength throughout the day. The body's muscles achieve peak strength in the early evening.
Why you should lift in the morning?
As mentioned, in the early morning hours, crucial hormones (i.e., testosterone) that help build muscle mass are elevated in the body. By exercising in the morning, you're taking advantage of these naturally circulating hormones as they're peaking, rather than later in the day when they're lower.
Should you eat before a morning run?
Should I eat before an early morning run and if so, what should I opt for? You should always eat before a harder training session, as the body will require fuel from carbohydrates. For lighter, low-intensity training, a protein-based breakfast or even a fasted training session is fine.
Should you work out every day?
How much is ideal? A weekly day of rest is often advised when structuring a workout program, but sometimes you may feel the desire to work out every day. As long as you're not pushing yourself too hard or getting obsessive about it, working out every day is fine.
What should I eat before 6am workout?
Before your morning workout, fuel your body with whole, minimally processed carbohydrate and protein foods such as:
- oatmeal.
- whole grain toast.
- fruit.
- beef jerky.
- eggs.
- milk.
Why does my stomach look bigger after running?
“The GI tract tends to slow down, and it's not going to move that air through as well,” says Freedburg. That's going to cause it to build up in your lower abdomen; hence, bloating. To combat this, rather than gasping for air when you run, which can lead to more stress, you'll want to focus on belly breathing.
What type of exercise is best for losing weight?
The 8 Best Exercises for Weight Loss
- Walking. Walking is one of the best exercises for weight loss — and for good reason. ...
- Jogging or running. Jogging and running are great exercises to help you lose weight. ...
- Cycling. ...
- Weight training. ...
- Interval training. ...
- Swimming. ...
- Yoga. ...
- Pilates.
Why do I look fatter after working out for a week?
Every time you are working out, you are actually tearing your muscles. These tears are actually cosmetic and are what make us look bigger because they cause the muscle underneath to appear larger. The underlying tissue is actually damaged and cannot repair itself, so it falls into the fat category.