Running and/or Weightlifting
Discussion
Hi all, bit of a background. I'm 31 and have been in and out of the gym a lot over the last 15 years. I've always split my time between weight lifting and cardio. I was doing a lot of running a couple of years ago and got my 5k down to about 22:30.
Personal life has gotten really busy in the last 6 months and I havent really done much. I am now trying to get back into it again but at a bit of a crossroads as to which direction to go in. I like doing weights and the results it brings visually. I like running as it makes me feel great and is good for health and your heart etc.
The trouble I'm having is I'm finding it hard to make the time to do both. Its also hard to go running when I've been squatting/deadlifting in the gym as my legs are not there.
Anyone else been in a similar situation? Which direction did you take? I'd rather do one well than do both poorly.
For reference I'm 6'3" and 15 stone. Ideally would like to be around 14 stone toned.
Thanks
Personal life has gotten really busy in the last 6 months and I havent really done much. I am now trying to get back into it again but at a bit of a crossroads as to which direction to go in. I like doing weights and the results it brings visually. I like running as it makes me feel great and is good for health and your heart etc.
The trouble I'm having is I'm finding it hard to make the time to do both. Its also hard to go running when I've been squatting/deadlifting in the gym as my legs are not there.
Anyone else been in a similar situation? Which direction did you take? I'd rather do one well than do both poorly.
For reference I'm 6'3" and 15 stone. Ideally would like to be around 14 stone toned.
Thanks
Personally I'd focus on the weight training.
Work at a good pace, with shortish breaks between sets, and you'll get your heart rate up and a good sweat on.
I used to do both but gave up on running a few years ago. A recent medical my resting heart rate was still below 50, which I realise doesn't automatically show that I am fit, but I was expeting it to be a lot higher as I don't do dedicated cardio any more.
Work at a good pace, with shortish breaks between sets, and you'll get your heart rate up and a good sweat on.
I used to do both but gave up on running a few years ago. A recent medical my resting heart rate was still below 50, which I realise doesn't automatically show that I am fit, but I was expeting it to be a lot higher as I don't do dedicated cardio any more.
From what I've read most of the strength gurus shun cardio - takes up gym time and arguably has adverse effects on testosterone and stress hormones if overdone.
Most serious runners incorporate weights into training. So do other endurance athletes.
Seems to me the lifters are more dogmatic about this than the endurance athletes. Possibly because cardio, to lifters, is HIIT type session which can be demanding. Runners and the like see the benefits of getting more durable and know weights are unlikely to make them bulky.
I think you need to define your goals more specifically. Aesthetic, Health, Performance/Race. They're not necessarily contradictory but choosing an event to train for could give you more direction and measurable success
At 6'3 and 15st you are never going to be skinny so I think there's no need to fear cardio turning you into a stick insect
Most serious runners incorporate weights into training. So do other endurance athletes.
Seems to me the lifters are more dogmatic about this than the endurance athletes. Possibly because cardio, to lifters, is HIIT type session which can be demanding. Runners and the like see the benefits of getting more durable and know weights are unlikely to make them bulky.
I think you need to define your goals more specifically. Aesthetic, Health, Performance/Race. They're not necessarily contradictory but choosing an event to train for could give you more direction and measurable success
At 6'3 and 15st you are never going to be skinny so I think there's no need to fear cardio turning you into a stick insect
didelydoo said:
IMO, focus on lifting, but keep cardio &/or conditioning in on rest days for heart health and active recovery. Just don't make the cardio so intense that it interferes with recovery (which probably means backing off it a little)
Agree with this. I do weights 3-4 times a week, and run gently once maybe twice for 40 minutes or so.I think you tend to get runners and in the gym, cardio fans and bodybuilders, you see some never leave the free weights are and many never go in, maybe a few light sets on some machines.
I am not a runner by any stretch but I like to do a mile or so as a warm up on the running track, i think as humans we should be able to run non stop for a mile should we need to, further is better but as a very basic capability, for able bodied adults, maybe a 5k.
I always think going out and running ten miles or whatever, yeah great but do some other stuff, mix it up and try not to knacker your joints, all the runners I know seem to be constantly injured or having physio.
Do a bit of cycling one day, have a run another day, do some weights, go for a swim, mix it up !
I am not a runner by any stretch but I like to do a mile or so as a warm up on the running track, i think as humans we should be able to run non stop for a mile should we need to, further is better but as a very basic capability, for able bodied adults, maybe a 5k.
I always think going out and running ten miles or whatever, yeah great but do some other stuff, mix it up and try not to knacker your joints, all the runners I know seem to be constantly injured or having physio.
Do a bit of cycling one day, have a run another day, do some weights, go for a swim, mix it up !
J4CKO said:
I think you tend to get runners and in the gym, cardio fans and bodybuilders,
I've done both for a number of years. When I ran competitively I had to prioritise the running, when I wanted to gain muscle I had to just run for fitness rather than competition and so backed off the running. OP- look at what your priority is - if it's weightloss first then some slow (or fast) distance running will shed cals the fastest. You want muscle then you need weights.From a health perspective weightlifing is better in the long run - works the heart fiercely and whole vascular system (quite hard to get a pump running!). Weightling works all the muscles and joints of the body keeping you mobile as you age (running doesn't), weightlifing keeps all the bones in your body strong (bone density). Weightlifting can increase testosterone (crucial for many hormone based bodily functions).
Running is obviously better for the lungs and brings rewards in terms of cardiovascular fitness. It will have most of the benefits of weighttraining, but just for the lower body.
If you're under 40 then take your pick. Over that I'd concentrate on weights and diet, with some short-ish cardio thrown in.
popeyewhite said:
I've done both for a number of years. When I ran competitively I had to prioritise the running, when I wanted to gain muscle I had to just run for fitness rather than competition and so backed off the running. OP- look at what your priority is - if it's weightloss first then some slow (or fast) distance running will shed cals the fastest. You want muscle then you need weights.
From a health perspective weightlifing is better in the long run - works the heart fiercely and whole vascular system (quite hard to get a pump running!). Weightling works all the muscles and joints of the body keeping you mobile as you age (running doesn't), weightlifing keeps all the bones in your body strong (bone density). Weightlifting can increase testosterone (crucial for many hormone based bodily functions).
Running is obviously better for the lungs and brings rewards in terms of cardiovascular fitness. It will have most of the benefits of weighttraining, but just for the lower body.
If you're under 40 then take your pick. Over that I'd concentrate on weights and diet, with some short-ish cardio thrown in.
Lifting weights does not increase testosterone in any meaningful way. That's bro science. From a health perspective weightlifing is better in the long run - works the heart fiercely and whole vascular system (quite hard to get a pump running!). Weightling works all the muscles and joints of the body keeping you mobile as you age (running doesn't), weightlifing keeps all the bones in your body strong (bone density). Weightlifting can increase testosterone (crucial for many hormone based bodily functions).
Running is obviously better for the lungs and brings rewards in terms of cardiovascular fitness. It will have most of the benefits of weighttraining, but just for the lower body.
If you're under 40 then take your pick. Over that I'd concentrate on weights and diet, with some short-ish cardio thrown in.
ORD said:
popeyewhite said:
I've done both for a number of years. When I ran competitively I had to prioritise the running, when I wanted to gain muscle I had to just run for fitness rather than competition and so backed off the running. OP- look at what your priority is - if it's weightloss first then some slow (or fast) distance running will shed cals the fastest. You want muscle then you need weights.
From a health perspective weightlifing is better in the long run - works the heart fiercely and whole vascular system (quite hard to get a pump running!). Weightling works all the muscles and joints of the body keeping you mobile as you age (running doesn't), weightlifing keeps all the bones in your body strong (bone density). Weightlifting can increase testosterone (crucial for many hormone based bodily functions).
Running is obviously better for the lungs and brings rewards in terms of cardiovascular fitness. It will have most of the benefits of weighttraining, but just for the lower body.
If you're under 40 then take your pick. Over that I'd concentrate on weights and diet, with some short-ish cardio thrown in.
Lifting weights does not increase testosterone in any meaningful way. That's bro science. From a health perspective weightlifing is better in the long run - works the heart fiercely and whole vascular system (quite hard to get a pump running!). Weightling works all the muscles and joints of the body keeping you mobile as you age (running doesn't), weightlifing keeps all the bones in your body strong (bone density). Weightlifting can increase testosterone (crucial for many hormone based bodily functions).
Running is obviously better for the lungs and brings rewards in terms of cardiovascular fitness. It will have most of the benefits of weighttraining, but just for the lower body.
If you're under 40 then take your pick. Over that I'd concentrate on weights and diet, with some short-ish cardio thrown in.
I put that down to all the marvelous sights, getting blood coursing round and exercise endorphins ?
I am 41, similar height & weight to you.
Ran a couple half marathons & a full one. I was sick of the injury’s & found running boring in the end.
Took up boxing about 3 years ago. Wish I’d done it years ago. Great cardio workout & hitting the heavy bag has toned me up. Gives me a far greater buzz than running ever did. As suggested above I do HIIT Mixed in with the boxing & also try to get a couple of sessions on the weights in. I stick to compound movements such as squats, deadlifts, bent over row etc.
Look up 5x5 stronglifts
https://stronglifts.com/5x5/#gref
Just make sure your form is correct before going to heavy.
Ran a couple half marathons & a full one. I was sick of the injury’s & found running boring in the end.
Took up boxing about 3 years ago. Wish I’d done it years ago. Great cardio workout & hitting the heavy bag has toned me up. Gives me a far greater buzz than running ever did. As suggested above I do HIIT Mixed in with the boxing & also try to get a couple of sessions on the weights in. I stick to compound movements such as squats, deadlifts, bent over row etc.
Look up 5x5 stronglifts
https://stronglifts.com/5x5/#gref
Just make sure your form is correct before going to heavy.
Thanks for the replies. I’ve been back in the gym the last couple of weeks doing 5x5 but adding in a few extra exercises. Also been doing a little running but not as much. Think I’ll focus on the lifting but still do a bit of running here and there.
Really been enjoying the lifting and surprising how little strength I’ve lost. Just trying to build it up slowly now so I don’t get injured.
Cheers
Really been enjoying the lifting and surprising how little strength I’ve lost. Just trying to build it up slowly now so I don’t get injured.
Cheers
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