What should you start with first, weights or cardio

Let’s use the analogy of building a house to discuss how to approach different aspects of fitness, such as strength training, cardio, and core exercises. This will help us understand where to start, what to prioritize, and how much to do.

Just like with anything, going to extremes can have negative consequences. We shouldn’t push ourselves too hard in strength training, high-intensity interval training (HIIT), cardio, or core exercises. At the same time, we shouldn’t do too little either. To build a house, we need to establish a solid foundation first. Similarly, at Titan Up, we emphasize starting with the big lifts and movements to lay the groundwork.

Once the foundation is set, we can move on to the finer details, like lighting, trim work, and paint, which enhance the overall appearance of the house. In the context of fitness, these details can be equated to HIIT and core exercises.

By following this approach—starting with the big movements and working towards the smaller ones—we ensure that we’re always in the right place to make progress. It’s worth noting that there may be exceptions, such as when we need to prioritize cardio recovery after an intense week of training. In most cases, though, we focus on building a strong foundation first, just as you wouldn’t install lighting, fans, or paint before the house’s foundation is ready.

In summary, approaching fitness like building a house means starting with the major components and gradually moving towards the finer details. This method ensures balance and provides the right amount of everything you need for a well-rounded fitness routine.

Allen Decker: