Ep. #732: Concurrent Training: The Right Way to Combine Cardio and Strength Training

Concurrent training is the technical term for including both cardio and strength training in your workout routine. Generally, the goal is to get better at both types of training simultaneously. That is, you’re trying to gain muscle and strength by lifting weights and improve your endurance by going faster and/or further in your cardio workouts. If you’ve spent any time in the fitness space, though, you know that many people claim this is a fool’s errand. These people argue that you can’t effectively adapt to both cardio and strength training at the same time. Instead of improving at both—getting bigger, stronger, and fitter—you just end up being mediocre across the board. In other words, they claim concurrent training turns you into a jack of all trades and a master of none. While there’s a kernel of truth to this idea, scientific research shows it’s more wrong than right. In fact, a growing body of evidence suggests that if you want to get bigger, stronger, leaner, and fitter, combining cardio and strength training is actually better than just lifting weights. To get these benefits, though, you have to implement concurrent training correctly. Do it wrong, and you’ll banjax your ability to gain strength and muscle and increase your risk of injury. Do it right, though, and you can enjoy the benefits of cardio and strength training scot-free. Timestamps: 0:00 - Intro 12:11 - What is the wrong way to concurrently train? 16:09 - What is the right way to concurrently train? 32:06 - How do you avoid recovery problems when concurrently training? Mentioned on The Show: Books by Mike Matthews: https://legionathletics.com/products/books/ Should You Do Cardio If You Lift Weights Podcast: https://legionathletics.com/cardio-weightlifting-podcast/ Want free workout and meal plans? Download my science-based diet and training templates for men and women: https://legionathletics.com/text-sign-up/