Eric Trexler has been doing a really great job taking current research articles and providing the information in terms of practical application for a broader spectrum of viewers. One the the things I like most about his take is that he is not quick to jump at just what is stated but also has the understanding to go beyond the article itself in the information he provides. A recent study investigated how the order of training (cardio before strength, or strength before cardio) influenced the post-workout “anabolic environment.” The article concluded that cardio should be performed before strength training, as this order resulted in higher post-exercise values of testosterone and IGFBP-3. In endocrine research, it is important to consider all variables that influence hormone concentration. For example, let’s say a hormone increases in the blood. Is this due to increased production, increased secretion, decreased clearance or degradation, changes in its affinity for binding proteins or target tissues, hemoconcentration, etc.? It is also important to note that acute, transient changes in systemic anabolic hormone concentrations do not appear to strongly correlate with performance/body composition improvements. As a strength/physique athlete, I would generally recommend prioritizing strength training. A light cardiovascular warmup may be helpful, but I prefer to place any strenuous/taxing cardio after the strength workout to ensure optimal strength adaptations, regardless of any transient hormonal considerations.
Posted on: Tue, 19 Aug 2014 21:07:38 +0000
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