Embracing Hybrid Training and Creativity in the Gym with ALEC BLENIS | Ep. 20
Jul 9, 2024
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Alec Blenis, a fitness fanatic and hybrid training expert, dives into the intricacies of blending strength and endurance training. He debunks myths about cardio jeopardizing gains and stresses the significance of mechanical tension for muscle growth. Alec shares insights on cultivating an anti-fragile mindset, embracing discomfort, and personalizing training approaches. Listeners will gain tips on navigating transitions between training modalities and the importance of community in fitness, all while being inspired to push their athletic limits.
Alec Blenis emphasizes the importance of hybrid training, effectively combining strength and endurance exercise for overall athletic improvement.
He shares that adopting new fitness modalities requires patience, as discomfort and setbacks are part of the learning process.
The podcast debunks the myth that cardio will negatively impact strength gains, promoting a balanced approach to training.
Alec encourages athletes to develop an anti-fragile mindset, recognizing that challenges and discomfort can lead to greater resilience and growth.
Deep dives
Introduction to Sex and Zombies
The episode opens with an entertaining anecdote about a unique encounter with an impressive gym-goer named Tim. He introduced himself by stating he was training for 'sex and zombies,' which humorously encapsulates his fitness goals. This catchy phrase reflects a blend of wanting to look good while being prepared for any apocalyptic scenarios. The conversation quickly transitions to the hosts, Tim Riley and Alec Blenis, discussing workouts and athletic experiences.
Alec's Hybrid Athletic Journey
Alec identifies as a hybrid athlete who enjoys different fitness realms, including running, biking, and weightlifting. He humorously refers to himself as mediocre in all these disciplines while noting his claims to fame, such as holding the fastest known 'Murph' times. His passion lies in simplifying fitness to help others navigate through the confusing norms within the fitness community. This includes addressing the unnecessary complexity often found in workout regimens and promoting straightforward yet effective training principles.
The Evolution of Coaching
Alec shares his ten-plus years of coaching experience, which began somewhat serendipitously as he transitioned from aspirations of becoming a physicist. Realizing his excitement for coaching came from helping others, he leaned into sharing his fitness knowledge. Reflecting on his journey, he acknowledges how his coaching philosophy has evolved; he now emphasizes understanding individual client needs as a priority over adhering to rigid workout rules. He credits his growth to repeatedly engaging with athletes and refining his approach through patient observation and hands-on learning.
The Importance of Patience
Alec stresses that both endurance and strength athletes should expect a learning curve when transitioning between disciplines. He highlights that initial discomfort and setbacks are part of the adaptation process, noting how it can be frustrating, especially for those accustomed to success within their primary sport. His advice centers around the idea that embracing difficulty and patiently navigating one's shortcomings is crucial. By approaching fitness with an open mind and allowing time for growth, athletes can enhance their hybrid capabilities effectively.
Overcoming Strength Athlete Mindset
For strength athletes starting to incorporate cardio, Alec warns against the temptation to dive headfirst into rigorous routines that could lead to injury. He suggests a gradual increase in volume and intensity to avoid overuse injuries, particularly in areas like the Achilles tendon. He advocates for a mixed approach to cardio that involves different modalities rather than excessive running. By diversifying cardio, strength athletes can build up their aerobic capacity without the negative repercussions often associated with pushing one activity too far.
Encouraging Endurance Athletes to Embrace Strength Training
Conversely, Alec advises endurance athletes to attack their weaknesses when they start strength training, which often means focusing on areas they find difficult. He emphasizes the value of training exercises that may feel uncomfortable or seem beyond their current abilities. Encouraging this exploration fosters growth and can lead to significant improvements in their overall athletic performance. Alec reminds listeners that the goal is to develop comprehensive strength that complements their endurance training.
The Anti-Fragile Mindset
Alec discusses the concept of an anti-fragile mindset in fitness, emphasizing resilience against setbacks, injuries, or challenges faced during training. He urges individuals to recognize that pain and discomfort are a normal part of the process and shouldn't deter them from exploring new modalities. By encouraging adaptive strategies and reframing their perspective, athletes can prevent fear-based reactions that hinder their progress. This mentality promotes confidence and empowers individuals to embrace training ambiguities instead of succumbing to self-imposed limitations.
Check out Alec on instagram and youtube: @alecblenis
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Code "coachemup15" for 15% at Squatwedgiez.comCode "coachemup5" for 5% at Plyomat.net
In this episode of the Coach Em Up Podcast, we talk with Alec Blenis, a fitness fanatic and hybrid training genius. Whether you're a seasoned strength athlete curious about adding cardio, an endurance runner looking to incorporate strength exercises, or a newcomer to fitness seeking guidance, this episode is for you!
In this session, we explore the real-life challenges and triumphs of adopting a hybrid training approach, highlighting how to effectively combine strength and endurance training without compromising progress in either area. We debunk common myths, like the fear of cardio killing gains, and emphasize the importance of mechanical tension in muscle hypertrophy.
Tune in to discover how to become a more versatile and resilient athlete, why embracing discomfort can be a game-changer, and how to tailor your training to not just meet, but exceed, your athletic goals. Whether you're training for aesthetics, performance, or personal satisfaction, this episode of Coach Em Up will leave you inspired to push the boundaries of what you thought was possible in fitness.
Don't forget to like, subscribe, and comment with your own experiences of hybrid training or any questions you might have about integrating diverse training modalities into your routine. Join the conversation and be a part of a community that celebrates strength, endurance, and the relentless pursuit of fitness excellence.
