General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Weight/Strength Training and Triathlon Training Rss Feed  
Moderators: k9car363, alicefoeller Reply
 
 
of 1
 
 
2010-04-12 9:27 PM


122
100
Subject: Weight/Strength Training and Triathlon Training
Okay quick question, who out there manages to train for both triathlons (endurance activities) and strength/weight training?  I used to strictly do strength training pre-triathlon and enjoyed it especially the building muscles part, but now I really dont have the time to do both or at the very least feel like my tri training will take a hit.

Unfortunately my schedule (new baby)only allows me about 10 hours a week of training time.

Any ideas or advice?


2010-04-12 9:32 PM
in reply to: #2786994


119
100
Subject: RE: Weight/Strength Training and Triathlon Training
I am training for competitive Muay Thai/Kickboxing while training for my Tri and half mary this year.  I do kettlebells at least three times a week.  Since beginning kettlebells I have rarely done normal strength training.  But, I do not have kids just a wife who is training with me. 
2010-04-13 5:00 AM
in reply to: #2786994

User image

Expert
758
5001001002525
Port Colborne, Ontario
Subject: RE: Weight/Strength Training and Triathlon Training
I'm doing both strength & tri training, and since I'm only doing a sprint distances, my total weekly training is under 7-8 hours.

For the strength training though, I'm not really looking to build muscle, but mostly maintain.  I workout every major muscle group once a week, broken down in 3 workouts...Mon, Wed, Fri.
2010-04-13 6:25 AM
in reply to: #2786994

User image

Extreme Veteran
439
10010010010025
Subject: RE: Weight/Strength Training and Triathlon Training
i do strength 2 times  a week and it is in a circuit format, 40 min tops.
2010-04-13 6:48 AM
in reply to: #2786994

User image

Regular
100
100
Southern NH
Subject: RE: Weight/Strength Training and Triathlon Training
Due to the fact that tri training has left me rather skinny I have taken up weights to "look" a little better.  I have been doing this since November.  I am 10 lb.'s heavier than I was last year and "look" a heck of a lot better.  My wife is very happy.  I have to say I am not!  The weight training has cut into my s/b/r training and there is no question I am slower in all three sports.  As my first tri approaches I am pretty much giving up the weights and going back to getting in shape!!!!! 

Success in this sport is based on 3 things:  Swim/Bike/Run-----Repeat often 
2010-04-13 7:06 AM
in reply to: #2786994

User image

Runner
Subject: RE: Weight/Strength Training and Triathlon Training
I do strength training almost every day.

It's called "running up hills".


2010-04-13 7:24 AM
in reply to: #2786994


602
500100
Subject: RE: Weight/Strength Training and Triathlon Training
Like anything in life it really depends on your goals and your reasons for Tris in the first place.

I am taking up Tris as an increase in my fitness, meet new people and become in better shape. However I enjoy lifting weights and having some muscle definition. My body build will never be the elite tri type. Its just not the way I have been programmed to be.


So for me Im going for the very fit athletic look, I really dont care if Im a few mins slower in a few events.

But some may want to lose that last few lbs.

Some how my younger brother has it figured out. He is looking at 3:30 for his next marathon, bench presses 35% more than his weight 8-10 times, can do 40 pull ups in a row, and millions of push ups. However he has no interest in triathlons
2010-04-13 3:59 PM
in reply to: #2786994


122
100
Subject: RE: Weight/Strength Training and Triathlon Training
Do the BT training plans incorporate strength/weight training?
2010-04-13 4:02 PM
in reply to: #2789219

User image

Sensei
Sin City
Subject: RE: Weight/Strength Training and Triathlon Training
PhoenixTX - 2010-04-13 1:59 PM Do the BT training plans incorporate strength/weight training?


yes.  A large portion of the plans that need a paid membership do include weight training.
2010-04-13 4:07 PM
in reply to: #2786994

User image

Master
3888
20001000500100100100252525
Overland Park, KS
Subject: RE: Weight/Strength Training and Triathlon Training
PhoenixTX - 2010-04-12 9:27 PM Okay quick question, who out there manages to train for both triathlons (endurance activities) and strength/weight training?  I used to strictly do strength training pre-triathlon and enjoyed it especially the building muscles part, but now I really dont have the time to do both or at the very least feel like my tri training will take a hit.

Unfortunately my schedule (new baby)only allows me about 10 hours a week of training time.

Any ideas or advice?


Well, there you have it.....physical appearance vs performance........
The more muscle mass the more weight you've got to carry over the road and up hills.
2010-04-13 4:10 PM
in reply to: #2789245

User image

Sensei
Sin City
Subject: RE: Weight/Strength Training and Triathlon Training
reecealan - 2010-04-13 2:07 PM
PhoenixTX - 2010-04-12 9:27 PM Okay quick question, who out there manages to train for both triathlons (endurance activities) and strength/weight training?  I used to strictly do strength training pre-triathlon and enjoyed it especially the building muscles part, but now I really dont have the time to do both or at the very least feel like my tri training will take a hit.

Unfortunately my schedule (new baby)only allows me about 10 hours a week of training time.

Any ideas or advice?


Well, there you have it.....physical appearance vs performance........
The more muscle mass the more weight you've got to carry over the road and up hills.


Conversley, the more strength you have to do it.  There is a balance.


2010-04-13 4:45 PM
in reply to: #2786994

User image

Expert
792
500100100252525
Leicester
Subject: RE: Weight/Strength Training and Triathlon Training
I feel your pain OP.
I too stood by while my wife did all the work of delivering our new baby, but it left me as tired as she was

I've struggled to get up in the mornings for training sessions and I feel it's realy unfair to leave the house to train in the evenings after I get home from work (3 kids total to deal with).

I have suspended logging hours and distances etc, in favor of just riding my bike 2 or 3 times a week when I can, usually mornings, 1 or 2 swims when I can (on the way home from work) and 2 runs whenever I can.
Proly only managing 6 hrs but it's a balance that needs to be made for a happy family and a not quite fit enough for triathlon yet daddy.
2010-04-13 5:58 PM
in reply to: #2786994

User image

Master
1346
100010010010025
Gold Coast
Subject: RE: Weight/Strength Training and Triathlon Training
I train to fight (muay thai) 6 evenings a week, fit my tri training in on mornings and manage 1-2 straight weights sessions a week too. That said I also don't have kids to worry about, my tri training is for sprint distance and I am also sure that my tri training would be better if it wasn't my second sport. I'm sure I would keep the weights in though....
2010-04-13 6:06 PM
in reply to: #2789491


119
100
Subject: RE: Weight/Strength Training and Triathlon Training
rh8463 - 2010-04-13 5:58 PM I train to fight (muay thai) 6 evenings a week, fit my tri training in on mornings and manage 1-2 straight weights sessions a week too. That said I also don't have kids to worry about, my tri training is for sprint distance and I am also sure that my tri training would be better if it wasn't my second sport. I'm sure I would keep the weights in though....



I think the training can complement each other, but as you said Tris are my second sport.  But, the training for Tri obviously help with endurance, and the training for Muay Thai help with fighting through pain.  The only problems I have sometimes is that my left leg is extremely sore after sparring sessions (from being kicked by my instructor) and it can affect my run. 

PS I have lost 65 lbs since starting my Muay Thai training, and since March 1st I have lost nearly 10-15 lbs with Muay Thai and Tri training. 

I do not think I will every be real competitive in both, but I enjoy it.

2010-04-13 6:16 PM
in reply to: #2789505

User image

Master
1346
100010010010025
Gold Coast
Subject: RE: Weight/Strength Training and Triathlon Training
[ The only problems I have sometimes is that my left leg is extremely sore after sparring sessions (from being kicked by my instructor) and it can affect my run. ]



Don't I know that feeling! I should be having a nice easy week this week with a race on Sunday but I'm fighting on May1st so no such luck.

Awesome on the weight loss btw. I've lost a few kg this year too and am actually underweight for my fight so that means I can eat tonnes, no starving - woop woop!
2010-04-13 9:34 PM
in reply to: #2789256

User image

Champion
9407
500020002000100100100100
Montague Gold Mines, Nova Scotia
Subject: RE: Weight/Strength Training and Triathlon Training
Kido - 2010-04-13 6:10 PM

Conversley, the more strength you have to do it.  There is a balance.


Except that there is no link between maximal strength and sustainable power.  Endurance sports are not strength limited so the extra bulk is just going to slow you down.

Shane


2010-04-14 10:11 PM
in reply to: #2786994


122
100
Subject: RE: Weight/Strength Training and Triathlon Training
some good responses thanks for the feedback and opinions.
2010-04-14 10:29 PM
in reply to: #2786994

Subject: ...
This user's post has been ignored.
2010-04-15 9:59 AM
in reply to: #2786994

Expert
769
5001001002525
Alpharetta (until we find a home)
Subject: RE: Weight/Strength Training and Triathlon Training
I do "strength" about 3-4 times a week for about 5 minutes. I do a set of pushups to exhaustion and then a set pullups to exhaustion then to ab stuff and some lower back stuff. I am alot stronger without a lot of mass with about 20-25 min a week
2010-04-15 10:12 AM
in reply to: #2786994

Master
2167
20001002525
Livonia, MI
Subject: RE: Weight/Strength Training and Triathlon Training

I'm a triathlete who ADORES my weight training and won't give it up.  When I'm training for only sprints and oly's, I can easily manage a balance.  Two days of my week are devoted to 45 minutes of heavier training (12 reps to failiure), followed by teaching an hour long weight endurance type class that uses lighter weights with higher reps and is very, very core intensive.  The other four are devoted to tri training with one day for rest.

However, when I trained for HIM last year, I could barely maintain the weight schedule.  I definitely lost strength in my upper body, lost a little muscle mass in every part of body including butt...which I was not happy about!  It was a trade off I had to make if I wanted to do my best in that HIM but it did throw off my nice balance.  I will be sticking to sprints/olys and half/full marys from now on.

2010-04-15 10:24 AM
in reply to: #2786994

Master
1702
1000500100100
Southern Ontario
Subject: RE: Weight/Strength Training and Triathlon Training
I'm struggling with this one too... I'm doing 1/2IM training and finding time to get in the P90X that I was doing in Jan/Feb... I miss it too. 


2010-04-15 11:01 AM
in reply to: #2789966

Sensei
Sin City
Subject: RE: Weight/Strength Training and Triathlon Training
gsmacleod - 2010-04-13 7:34 PM
Kido - 2010-04-13 6:10 PM

Conversley, the more strength you have to do it.  There is a balance.


Except that there is no link between maximal strength and sustainable power.  Endurance sports are not strength limited so the extra bulk is just going to slow you down.

Shane


Agreed, and I'm not really talking about sustainable power.  But you can't tell me that being stronger (without gaining significant additional mass) is NOT in some way better.  Every other sport includes weight training to some aspect.  Even if it's to stengthen muscles not normally used in the sport they are doing.  Sort of to "balance out".

I have plenty of stories of how some basic upper body work has helped athletes feel better in the earo position, feel a slightly stonger pull in the swim.  I can attest that a my core workout using wieghts has helped with my form (especially when I start getting tired).  And yes, you can get stronger without gaining mass.

But let me get this right.  You are saying, that ALL OTHER THINGS BEING EQUAL, being stronger is not better than being weaker?
2010-04-15 11:30 AM
in reply to: #2793858

Champion
9407
500020002000100100100100
Montague Gold Mines, Nova Scotia
Subject: RE: Weight/Strength Training and Triathlon Training
Kido - 2010-04-15 1:01 PM

But let me get this right.  You are saying, that ALL OTHER THINGS BEING EQUAL, being stronger is not better than being weaker?


I didn't say that; I said that being stronger doesn't necessarily equal being faster at endurance sport.

There are many good reasons to participate in strength training; improved endurnace performance is not one of them.

Shane
2010-04-15 11:34 AM
in reply to: #2793964

Resident Curmudgeon
25290
50005000500050005000100100252525
The Road Back
Gold member
Subject: RE: Weight/Strength Training and Triathlon Training
gsmacleod - 2010-04-15 11:30 AM
Kido - 2010-04-15 1:01 PM

But let me get this right.  You are saying, that ALL OTHER THINGS BEING EQUAL, being stronger is not better than being weaker?


I didn't say that; I said that being stronger doesn't necessarily equal being faster at endurance sport.

There are many good reasons to participate in strength training; improved endurnace performance is not one of them.

Shane


Minor point here: strength training certainly can improve endurance performance, in particular, hill training on the bike and on the run.

Weight training in the gym, not so much.
2010-04-15 11:45 AM
in reply to: #2793981

Champion
9407
500020002000100100100100
Montague Gold Mines, Nova Scotia
Subject: RE: Weight/Strength Training and Triathlon Training
the bear - 2010-04-15 1:34 PM

Minor point here: strength training certainly can improve endurance performance, in particular, hill training on the bike and on the run.

Weight training in the gym, not so much.


Absolutely; sport specific "strength" training (which is really improving sustainable power) will make you faster but this is due to improved aerobic performance not improved maximal strength.

Shane
New Thread
General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Weight/Strength Training and Triathlon Training Rss Feed  
 
 
of 1