Is it okay to do strength training and speed training at the same time?
Pkizzle asked:
I’m doing strength training right now, 6 days a week, but I train different muscles every day so I allow the muscles to rest 48 hours. My question is, can I do sprints just before the strength training or will that interfere with the strength training? Can I combine any power, stamina, or speed program with strength training?
I’m doing strength training right now, 6 days a week, but I train different muscles every day so I allow the muscles to rest 48 hours. My question is, can I do sprints just before the strength training or will that interfere with the strength training? Can I combine any power, stamina, or speed program with strength training?
January 31st, 2009 at 6:46 pm
Yes you can, but there’s a catch. Depending on how long you do the sprints, you may or may not affect your strength training. The problem is not which muscle you use, it is the amount of overall fatigue your body experiences after you complete the sprints and before you start lifting weights. Greater fatigue means you will be unable to lift heavier weights, which will affect your strength gains.
To put it simply, if you want to combine all your workouts, be prepared to see some slower gains than if you separated them. If you have the time, try to give yourself at least a 15-20 minute break, maybe even up to 30 minutes after your sprints to give your body time to recover before your strength session.