Wondering about the benefits and drawbacks of doing cardio after leg day?
Here’s what fitness pros and research suggest.
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trainer and performance chef withCentr
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Another popular and highly debated topic?
Whether or not you should do cardio after leg day.
So forget whatever you heard on TikTok.
Were breaking down the actual science below.
Can you do cardio after leg day?
you might absolutely do cardio after leg day, saysDan Churchill, MS, trainer and performance chef withCentr.
Rumors that cardio will hurt your muscle gains or have other adverse effects dont hold up.
However, we have very little research to confirm this.
trainer and performance chef withCentr
All cardio has tremendous and varying benefits for your performance and recovery, Churchill says.
However, doing cardio after leg day, specifically, doesnt dramatically change how it affects your body.
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Cardio does not impact recovery, positively or negatively, following an intense strength workout, Carlson says.
Another downside of doing cardio after leg day is that it could hinder your cardio performance.
But it is important to note that overdoing this can lead to injury, he adds.
I would only recommend doing this if you are an advanced runner.
If youre just starting, Id allow time for rest in between.
As for sleep, theACSMrecommends getting at least eight hours a night for optimal recovery.
Certain peoplemay need even more sleep9or protein, depending on their body, lifestyle, and goals.
Im a big believer in contrast therapy, and getting incompression boots, Churchill adds.
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