MASS Office Hours Episode 60 (Concurrent Training)
Nov 1, 2024
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Explore the latest insights on concurrent training and its impact on muscle gains. The discussion reveals gender differences in how aerobic and resistance training interact. Learn strategies to structure workouts effectively, balancing cardio with strength training. The importance of customizing training volume and recovery methods is emphasized. Discover how explosive strength plays a role for various athletes and the integration of powerlifting into triathlon training. Audience engagement enhances this treasure trove of fitness knowledge!
Concurrent training can be beneficial when structured correctly, allowing lifters to balance cardio and strength without significant detriment to gains.
Research shows that while aerobic training may modestly affect lower body strength, upper body strength is less impacted, highlighting the need for strategic planning.
Tailoring training programs to individual goals while considering recovery protocols can optimize both endurance and strength performance without risking overtraining.
Deep dives
Overview of Concurrent Training
Concurrent training involves integrating both resistance training and aerobic exercise into a workout regimen. It's often perceived negatively by some lifters who fear it will hinder strength and hypertrophy gains. However, with an appropriate structure, concurrent training can be seen as a beneficial tool rather than a detriment. By understanding how to balance these elements, lifters can achieve their performance goals without compromising aerobic fitness.
Impact of Aerobic Training on Strength and Hypertrophy
Research indicates that while concurrent training may lead to a modest reduction in strength gains during lower body training, its effects on hypertrophy are less clear. High volumes of aerobic training, especially when performed in close proximity to resistance training, tend to have more pronounced negative effects on lower body strength. However, upper body strength appears to be less impacted by aerobic exercises that primarily focus on the lower body. Thus, the key is to manage the volume and timing of both training modalities.
Managing Training Variables
It is crucial to consider variables such as intensity, frequency, and duration in both resistance and aerobic training to minimize potential interference effects. Training sessions should ideally be spaced out, aiming for at least 24 hours apart when possible, and the volume of cardio should be moderated. For instance, using shorter aerobic sessions on days when lifting occurs can help avoid impaired performance. It's generally advised to prioritize the activity that aligns with one’s primary fitness goals.
Interference Effects and Athletic Goals
Athletes, particularly those in sports like triathlon, must carefully balance their training to avoid overtraining while still pursuing gains in both endurance and strength. For hybrid athletes, high-intensity training focusing on lifting can enhance strength without significantly compromising aerobic performance, provided the training is structured intelligently. Specific adaptations based on the athlete's focus, whether for competition or general fitness, will dictate the appropriate method and volume of training. Tailoring these workouts to accommodate both aspects is essential for success.
Coaching and Programming Considerations
When developing a training program, coaches should emphasize the goals of each individual athlete while integrating various forms of exercise. For athletes focused on performance in endurance sports like Ironman, incorporating low-volume strength training with a focus on power can lead to positive outcomes without overtraining. Additionally, emphasizing recovery protocols and listening to the body are essential in preventing burnout or fatigue from concurrent training. Flexible programming adaptations based on real-time feedback from athletes can support both strength and endurance gains.
Importance of Aerobic Fitness for Health
While many strength athletes may overlook the role of aerobic fitness, it remains important for overall health and can complement resistance training. Engaging in regular cardiovascular activity, whether through high-intensity interval training or moderate steady-state exercise, can help maintain heart health and improve metabolic processes. Structured correctly, aerobic and resistance training can coexist without significant detriment to performance. This holistic approach not only supports fitness goals but also fosters better long-term health outcomes.
In lieu of a live episode, tonight we bring you a piece of content from the MASS Research Review archive.
This video is from a "Journal Club," which is a live recording that is only accessible to members of the MASS Community. This is a replay of a video that was recorded (live) a few months ago. It gives you a sneak peak at a small portion of what MASS members have access to every month. In this video, Mike will take you through a new meta-analysis on concurrent training and discuss how it stacks up with the rest of the concurrent training literature. The goal is to address an extremely common question: Is cardio going to impair your muscle and strength gains?
The MASS crew goes live for Office Hours every Wednesday night at 7pm eastern time. Be sure to join us for a future episode!
Our next episode will begin at 7pm on November 6. If you'd like to submit a question, please use this link:
https://forms.gle/9Ah39mefs8cuVa9H7
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