Making the Hybrid Athlete: Episode 4 – Balancing Strength and Endurance Without Losing Gains

Written by Squad 5 Training

On December 8, 2024

Challenges of Hybrid Training:

  • Balancing strength and endurance training can be tricky as excessive endurance work may impact strength gains and vice versa.
  • The key is proper pacing, smart scheduling, and recovery.

Pacing Your Training:

  • Aerobic work should be done at sub-maximal intensity to avoid nervous system fatigue and ensure you can maintain strength training intensity.
  • Use tools like heart rate monitoring to keep endurance sessions at the right intensity.

Smart Scheduling:

  • Space strength and endurance sessions apart (e.g., strength in the morning, endurance in the evening) to minimize interference.
  • For optimal recovery, avoid training the same muscle groups for endurance and strength on the same day.

Nutrition and Recovery:

  • Proper fueling is crucial—consume sufficient protein and carbohydrates to support both endurance and strength adaptations.
  • Prioritize sleep and recovery tools like stretching and foam rolling to optimize performance

 Hybrid Training Example:

  • Strength session: Focus on compound lifts (e.g., squats, bench press, deadlifts).
  • Endurance session: Low-intensity Zone 2 training or interval running.

Pacing Your Training:

  • Aerobic work should be done at sub-maximal intensity to avoid nervous system fatigue and ensure you can maintain strength training intensity.
  • Use tools like heart rate monitoring to keep endurance sessions at the right intensity.

Smart Scheduling:

  • Space strength and endurance sessions apart (e.g., strength in the morning, endurance in the evening) to minimize interference.
  • For optimal recovery, avoid training the same muscle groups for endurance and strength on the same day.

Nutrition and Recovery:

  • Proper fueling is crucial—consume sufficient protein and carbohydrates to support both endurance and strength adaptations.
  • Prioritize sleep and recovery tools like stretching and foam rolling to optimize performance

 

    • Key Characteristics of Zone 2 Training: Heart Rate Range:
      •Zone 2 is typically 60-70% of your maximum heart rate (MHR).
      •Formula: (220 – age) x 0.6 to 0.7. Example: For a 30-year-old, Zone 2 is around 114-133 beats per minute (BPM).

You May Also Like…

HYROX COMPETITION Rulebook

HYROX COMPETITION Rulebook

HYROX consists of a 1 km run followed by one workout, repeated 8 times. In order to complete the entire HYROX race and receive a valid finishing time, the participants must complete the runs and workouts in the designated order (run, workout, run,...

read more
AES-10: New Cycle starting Sunday 21st of April

AES-10: New Cycle starting Sunday 21st of April

SQD5 is not just about building muscle and looking good; it's a comprehensive approach to improving your overall fitness and health. It focuses on enhancing your functional movements, strength, flexibility, and cardiovascular endurance, all while...

read more