Geeky Science to get the most from your workouts

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I am a science writer for my school newspaper.  Recently, I had the privilege of attending a TEDx event at my school, UC Davis.  One of the speakers gave a talk about how different forms of exercise activate different metabolic pathways and the production of different proteins.  

The ultimate workout is a combination of strength and cardio training.  What you may not know is that the order in which you do these exercises has a huge effect on results.  

Cardio/resistance training activates production of a protein called sirT1.  This protein increases longevity and stamina.  Strength training activates the production of a protein called mTOR.  This protein promotes construction of new muscle mass.  

Once sirT1 is activated, is is active in the body for about 17 hours.  However, sirT1 activation cancels the activation of mTOR.  In other words, if you do strength training first, followed by cardio, you negate all the benefits of the strength training.  

Since mTOR does not deactivate sirT1, if you do your cardio training (swimming, running, etc) followed by weights, you get the benefits of both.  

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	Great post! Hey thanks for the info :) I've always done cardio first just because it's more enjoyable for me lol but I always enjoy learning facts like that about the body. Pretty neat isnt it? Posted by VAE on Jun. 10, 2011 at 03:23PM
	Cool Thanks for the info! I've been doing it the right way, but it's good to know that it's better for me that way! Posted by cenedrawood on Jul. 02, 2011 at 08:26PM
	Word! Its what i've been saying for years, but my friends don't believe me lol.  Thanks for dropping some science on us. Posted by mcbaine on Jul. 05, 2011 at 10:06PM