could i do strength-training before cardio?

i go to the gym 4-5 days a week and i always do 30 minutes on the elliptical, but after i'm done i'm usually too tired to want to do strength-training. i know strength-training is important, especially since i need to build some muscle after having lost so much during my eating disorder.

if i did around 15-30 minutes of strength-training (machines, free-weights, etc) before i did my 30 minutes of cardio, would it be okay?

Nothing wrong with that - the important thing is that you do strenght training at some point. Once your work out feels easier you can switch if you want.

Actually, many people recommend weights before cardio, for exactly the reason you are suggesting.  And once your workout feels easier... add more weight!

Yes, before should be fine. Mix up your cardio. Strength train 3 days a week. Not consecutive days. Take one day off a week completely to rest/recover. Don't do the same cardio everyday or your body will adapt and the benefit you get will not be the same as it was in the beginning.

yes definitely!  In the gym I go to they have a sign hanging up that explains that strength doesn't tire you as much for cardio as cardio tires you for strength.  plus it says something about that strength burns like carbs or something so then you'll go right to burning fat when you do your cardio.

Here is some good information.

http://ezinearticles.com/?Cardio:-The-Best-Time-to-Do-Cardio-F or-Fat-Loss&id=361124

Do the strength training first.  You'll want your fuel for the heavy stuff...after that finish wearing yourself out with the cardio.