Reigster now for free to join this or any of the thousands of ongoing discussions - Connect with thousands of athletes, post questions, share thoughts, find a training buddy,access triathlon training programs, marathon training programs and more!
Discussion: Weight Training???
Subject: Weight Training??? By: Pedro D. Written on: 2006-02-08 10:54:53 Message: Hello again, I previously posted a nutrition questions in regards to calories consumption and nutrition. Everyone that responded was great and the advice worked out GREAT!! I am feeling good after all my training sessions now. I felt the differnce starting the next day. Thanks to all. I have another question as far as weight training. I try to get in 3 seesions during the week, sometime two. I do complete uppper and lower body. I use fairly light weight and strive for 15-20 reps. On the bench I keep it at 185 for 15 reps. Dumbells at 70 for 15 reps. My question is this, is it benificial to even do weight training or should I stick to endurance training. I tend to squeeze these weight sessions in on my light endurance traing days; normally after a swim. Should I rest instead, does it help in weight lift? I just want to make sure I am not wasting time when I could be resting or bumping more cardio. Thanks.
Subject: RE: Weight Training??? By: William D. Written on: 2006-02-08 11:21:54 Message: Pedro,... Sounds like your very strong. The weights you are using are really not that light for the reps you're doing. I lifted weights like a maniac up to age 28. I thought bigger was better. Now my direction is lean and mean. Trust me , lean and mean is better. Ontri. encourages weight training and I do some arm workout on the weekend. Swiming is really my replacement for the weights. It can really sculpt the body, while the cardio is fantastic.Stay focused!!!
Subject: RE: Weight Training??? By: Rob T. Written on: 2006-02-08 17:51:12 Message: I'm too tired. I tried keeping the weight training going for a while but swimming is my weak area so the extra emphasis I put on it, like william said, takes the place of the weight training pretty well. I suppose if you are already a really strong swimmer though it might make sense to keep weight training. And also like william said lean and mean seems to be best. I'm pretty happy with my 6' and 155lb frame. Could maybe use another 5-10 lbs in upper body to help with the swim but it seems like anymore would hurt me in the run and bike.
Subject: RE: Weight Training??? By: Don N. Written on: 2006-02-08 20:34:22 Message: From what I was told Triathlon is an endurance BASED event as opposed to many other sports. So I would assume low weight and high reps would get the job done. I am just now getting used to that idea because I used to compete in Track and Field back in High School mainly in power based events (400m, discus, long jump, etc). Before I was bench pressing 225lbs. @ 130 pounds and squatting 270lbs +. But, now I know in order to do well in this sport one must perfect their technique (of swimming, biking, and running), as well as proper training (event specific) and a balanced nutrition. As William D. stated above, “I thought bigger was better. Now my direction is lean and mean. Trust me, lean and mean is better.”
Subject: RE: Weight Training??? By: D L. Written on: 2006-02-09 00:59:08 Message: the idea of low weight "endurance" lifting for a triathalon seems silly to me...in a triathalon especially a long distance one you are doing hundreds of repititions of your swimming biking and running strokes you cant duplicate that kind of endurance training in a weight room...but you can build strength and strength is always good in a race.
Subject: RE: Weight Training??? By: Steven R. Written on: 2006-02-09 11:00:28 Message:
Subject: RE: Weight Training??? By: Steven R. Written on: 2006-02-09 11:03:25 Message: I found that a nautalis routine of 20 minutes, 2 to 3 times a week, is very beneficail. It focuses on strength training on all muscle groups.
Subject: RE: Weight Training??? By: Pedro D. Written on: 2006-02-15 12:55:21 Message: Great feedback once again. Thanks guys for your help. I think I will focus on endurance like your guys say. I'll drop the weights to only 20 min sessions 2 maybe 3 times a week. Focus on swim, biking and running more. Thanks!
Subject: RE: Weight Training??? By: Lauren M. Written on: 2006-02-15 15:14:10 Message: FOcus on endurance training. But you do need your weights and stretching/flexability exercises too! You should not do more than 1-2 areas of the body at once when doing weights. Pair up your activities. A run day means you do an arm/chest/shoulder weights that day. Biking means you do a ab/core workout. And swimming, do a leg workout. Pick a weight that allows you to do 3 sets of 10-12. That last set should be hard, but not impossible.
Subject: RE: Weight Training??? By: Dwight U. Written on: 2006-02-15 23:34:11 Message: Okay, so looks like i am the only one that really believes in the benefit of weight training. I love it and i have improved exponentially with my speed while being able to maintain and gain some strength. i have done some extensive reading on the benefit of weight training combined with endurance training. The great thing is once you get to the type of weight you are lifting you can maintain that only lifting once a week. But i believe that two times a week will help even more. Your body learns how to deal with the load. I actually mix it up every 4 weeks. I do 4x5, then 3x15, and during the hard season i will do 2x20 with light weight. There have been studies that have followed cyclists that do squats twice a week while riding the same amount of those that dont lift. The ones tht lifted increased their peddling power faster than those that didn't lift. Although, i must say that i am pulling back to loose some weight to get faster, but i am still doing it twice a week, just not as long. good luck
Back to Discussion Index Triathlon Training  Triathlon Gear  Marathon Training  Health and Fitness