Dr. Peter Attia continues to offer fans science-based advice when it comes to training. On February 3, 2025, Dr. Attia broke down whether to perform cardio or strength training first in a workout routine.
Dr. Attia has a wealth of experience in fitness and health, running a mega-popular YouTube channel that boasts over 848,000 subscribers. He unpacks scientific nuances of exercise in a way that’s easily understandable for individuals of varying fitness levels.
While informing the public, Dr. Attia has worked alongside fellow masterminds in the health and fitness sector. His longevity-based approaches have been widely discussed with names such as Dr. Andrew Huberman, Dr. Rhonda Patrick, and Dr. Layne Norton.
We all understand the challenges that come with a balanced workout routine, which is why Dr. Attia is shedding light on how to approach an age-old dilemma, should you start the day with cardio or resistance training first?
Dr. Peter Attia Discusses If You Should Do Cardio or Resistance Training First in a Routine
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In a recent YouTube video, Dr. Attia explained why you should prioritize cardio or resistance training based on what’s most important for your routine and goals.
“I get a lot of questions about if you have to do cardio and resistance training on the same day, what’s the order in which to do them? And I think there are a couple of ways to think about it. You don’t want to be too dogmatic.”
“The thing about this is, do the one first that matters most. That’s one way to think about it. But of course, that depends on what you’re doing.”
He believes it’s likely best to start with whichever is more intense. However, it’s important to note that many individuals in fitness believe starting with cardio could impact performance when it’s time to hit the weights.
“So, if you have to do a VO2 max workout or something that was more intense, and then you have to do resistance training later, you’re probably emphasizing the VO2 max because you’re only going to do that once a week. I would do that first,” Attia shared.
He shared an example, revealing that he had to do his zone two cardio and weight training in the same day. He chose to do his zone two cardio on a bike before proceeding to resistance training later in the day.
“I’ll use today’s workout as an example. Today was a zone two day. I was doing my zone two on a bike, lower body obviously. But I had to do my Monday lift, which is legs today because of travel and it just worked out that I couldn’t do it tomorrow no matter what. Those both matter to me but I decided to do the zone two early in the morning.”
Dr. Peter Attia is always up for spreading useful workout advice to his followers and fans. Recently, he gave a detailed explanation on how to perform Hatfield lunges for stronger legs. He favors this exercise because it allows him to lift additional weight without putting too much pressure on the spine and lumbar.
As an educator and health professional, Dr. Attia continues to serve the fitness community with insightful demonstrations and dialogue. He believes you should prioritize what’s most important in your workout routine, whether it be cardio-based or resistance training.
RELATED: Dr. Peter Attia Talks 6-Week Aerobic Exercise Program That Improved Vo2 Max by 13% Regardless of Age
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