Strength training: does it add body weight???

There are differing camps on the benefits of weight training as it relates to tris (or really any endurance sport).

My view is that unless you have some non-tri reason for doing weights, you are unlikely to derive any meaningful benefits from it.  So just go swim, bike & run.  You can do "strength" workouts in each sport that will have the added benefit of specificity--so you'll build the muscles you actually need.  Sounds like that's been what you've done in the past with just running.  I'd stick with that.

And, yes, there are numerous threads about weight training where you can see us argue in circles about this issue if you want.   

No, they don't hate it at all, they just don't see any value in it for their training.  There's a big difference there ........

Please don't start this.  I don't "hate" weight training.  I find it unnecessary for triathlon performance.  And doing it would take away from time I could spend swimming, biking & running which will have far greater benefits given MY goals.

Note:  Maybe this wasn't directed at me.  But in that case, please don't quote me in response to the OP.

Please read:

http://home.hia.no/~stephens/str&end.htm

And then peruse the works of our brothers and sisters over on Slowtwitch (many high level coaches and athletes):

http://forum.slowtwitch.com/gforum.cgi?do=post_view_flat;post=1513414;page=1;sb=post_latest_reply;so=ASC;mh=25;

I agree.  I work my core everytime I swim, bike & run. 

Hate? hardly. let's just say we haven't drunk the cool-aid. BTW, just because a book contains the word bible it doesn’t make it the ultimate training authority, in fact the more I learn about tri training the less I agree with many things suggested in that book.

And where did I say that it would?  I agreed that the core was very important.  Also note that "core" is not just "abs".

To the OP:  Forget about searching for other threads.  Appears you'll get to watch it "live" here.  

Cough cough ......

Overly strengthened and tight abdominal/core muscles will uneccessarily restrict breathing in more intense aerobic/anaerobic activities, so yes, doing too much core WILL hurt your performance.

Cough cough ......

Who peed in your Cheerios this morning???

My personal experience is that I gain weight quickly when I do a lot of strength training. I do very little strength training for that reason, and I don't do it to improve my S/B/R. I do it to correct specific weaknesses I've had identified in the physical therapy clinic.

I would avoid doing strength training that has been arbitrarily plugged into a generic training plan. Every workout should have a purpose, not just in the pool or on the road but in the weight room as well. If you have an identified muscular imbalance or weakness, it can be addressed to some extent in the gym.

I agree core work is important. And I focus mentally on engaging my core in the pool, on the bike, and on the run. I do some core work in the gym because I like it. But that's another affliction addiction story...

As a beginner, you will also lose more weight using a plan combining aerobic exercise and weight training.  Which will help your speed.  Also if done correctly, lifting can help prevent or correct muscle imbalances that often cause injuries in endurance athletes (Such as tight Hamstrings for Cyclists).

That being said if you  for example, only have 1 hr of training time 3 days a week, you are going to have to choose your poison, because splitting between weights and aerobic exercise won't provide any worthwile benefits.