How to combine cardio and strength training for weight loss?

Author: Wiley Rolfson  |  Last update: Monday, November 3, 2025

Ways you can include cardio if you're mostly a weightlifter and you've had issues trying to lose weight over time:
  1. Increase your amount of cardio while weight lifting to increase the amount of caloric expenditure that you have. ...
  2. Instead of squatting 200 pounds for 10 reps, try squatting 50 pounds for 20 or 25 reps.

Should I combine cardio and strength training for weight loss?

Combining strength training and cardio exercises offers a multitude of benefits for weight loss. This powerful combination increases calorie burn, preserves lean muscle mass, improves body composition, enhances cardiovascular fitness, and supports long-term weight management.

What is the 3/2/1 rule in gym?

What is the 3-2-1 method of working out? The 3-2-1 refers to your weekly split of workouts - three strength training sessions, two Pilates sessions, and one cardio session. All up, that's six sessions per week, leaving you one full rest day, too.

What is the 4 2 1 workout combo for weight loss?

What is the 4-2-1 weighted combo move method? 4 strength days. 2 cardio days. 1 rest day. 45 mins a day. Give it 6 weeks, you'll be leaner & stronger. The 4-2-1 combo move method will get you toned & snatched all around.

How many times a week should I do cardio and strength training to lose weight?

  • General Fitness: If your goal is overall health and fitness, aim for 2-3 days of cardio per week, combined with strength training on the other days.
  • Weight Loss: For weight loss, you might increase cardio to 4-5 days a week, incorporating both moderate and high-intensity sessions.

How to Combine Cardio and Strength Training for Weight Loss...

What cardio burns the most fat?

HIIT is among the best cardio for fat loss because it provides a well-rounded workout while burning a ton of fat and calories. “HIIT workouts can vary greatly, from 500 calories per hour to 1500-plus calories per hour for a 180-lb man.

Should I do cardio or weights first?

If you are training for a 5K or a marathon, you will want to do cardiovascular training first for maximum performance. If you want to increase your muscle strength, do strength training first when your muscles are not fatigued from cardio.

What is the best combination of exercise for weight loss?

In addition to the aerobic activity, it's recommended to add two days of moderate- to high-intensity muscle-strengthening activity, such as resistance or weightlifting exercises. From there, you can work out longer or with more intensity to increase calorie burn. depending on your weight-loss goals.

What is the 421 hourglass method?

The 4-2-1 method structures your week of workouts around four days of strength training, two days of cardio, and one day of mobility or active rest, designed to optimize fat loss while maintaining muscle mass.

What is the best workout split for fat loss?

A good schedule might look like this:
  • Monday – push – bench press, squats, lunges.
  • Tuesday – pull – deadlift, bent over row, seated cable row.
  • Wednesday – cardio or rest day.
  • Thursday – push – dumbbell shoulder press, lat raises, dips, leg press, calf raise.
  • Friday – pull – chin ups, lat pull downs, Romanian deadlifts.

What is the 70 30 rule gym?

Shifting stubborn fat comes down to the 70/30 rule: only 30% comes from exercise whereas 70% comes from making changes to what you eat. It is the most important factor in a shredding fat.

What is the 80 20 rule workout?

It's called 80/20 training—essentially, doing light workouts 80 percent of the time and pushing yourself at a challenging level 20 percent of the time.

Is HIIT strength training?

Many people believe HIIT is solely a cardio workout, but this isn't entirely true. While HIIT is excellent for boosting heart health and burning calories, it can also incorporate strength elements when exercises like push-ups, kettlebell swings, or squats are included.

Is it OK to mix cardio and strength training same day?

If you're doing two cardio and strength training sessions separately or pairing them together, then yes, you can complete them on the same day, but there are a few things you'll want to take into consideration to ensure you're looking after yourself and getting the most benefit from your workouts.

What exercise burns the most belly fat?

Activities like running, cycling, and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) burn more calories and fat throughout the body, including the upper belly, lower belly, and obliques. So, while ab exercises can help define your core, it's a holistic approach that will help you lose the fat covering those muscles.

Is 30 minutes of cardio after weights good?

Doing a cardio workout after weight training is ideal if you want to lose fat and get stronger.

What is the best way to split cardio and weight training?

The 4-2-1 method refers to a weekly workout split: 4 days of strength training, 2 days of cardio, and 1 day of mobility or active rest. A workout split is a way to structure your exercise routine so that your muscles are primed and ready for each day.

What diet is Mark Wahlberg on?

"Normally with intermittent fasting I eat breakfast, lunch and dinner. I'll eat at noon, 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. for an eighteen hour fast and a six hour eating window," he said. "Usually eggs, protein pancakes, smoked salmon, a couple pork chops, a couple sausage links and protein with some almond butter for breakfast.

What is the 5 4 3 2 1 training method?

In this workout you will complete 5 minutes of cardio (5 exercises for 1 minute each), 4 minutes of lower body (4 exercises for 1 minute each), 3 minutes of upper body (3 exercises for 1 minute each), 2 minutes of core (2 exercises for 1 minute each), and 1 minute of cardio (1 exercise for 1 minute).

How long does it take to lose 20 pounds?

To lose weight effectively and safely, aiming to lose 1 to 2 pounds (lbs) per week may be best. This means that losing 20 lbs may take 10 to 20 weeks. To lose weight, people will likely need to follow a healthy diet and get regular exercise. Some popular diets are effective initially but challenging to maintain.

What is the best combo for weight loss?

Great Food Combos for Losing Weight
  • 1/15. Power Pairs. ...
  • 2/15. Avocado and Dark Leafy Greens. ...
  • 3/15. Chicken and Cayenne Pepper. ...
  • 4/15. Oatmeal and Walnuts. ...
  • 5/15. Eggs, Black Beans, and Peppers. ...
  • 6/15. Bean and Vegetable Soup. ...
  • 7/15. Steak and Broccoli. ...
  • 8/15. Green Tea and Lemon.

How to mix cardio and strength training?

If you're looking to improve your endurance and power output (e.g. sprint times), it's recommended that you do long-distance and high-intensity cardio on the same day as resistance training. Make sure you complete low intensity to moderate exercise on the following days.

What type of cardio is best for fat loss?

Some of the most popular gym cardio exercises include:
  • Running on the treadmill. A 30-minute session on a treadmill at 6 mph (a 10-minute mile pace) can burn approximately 350 calories.
  • Cycling on a stationary or exercise bike. ...
  • Using the rowing machine. ...
  • Working out on the elliptical.

What should be the order of exercises?

Many people find it helpful to start with cardiovascular to get the blood flowing, then to move to strength training, and to end with flexibility once the tissues are already warmed up. By touching all three phases, you develop a comprehensive, full body workout routine.

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