What is concurrent training?

Concurrent training refers to a method that combines both endurance and strength training components within the same workout or block of training sessions. Here's an explanation based on an experiment and insights shared by experts:

• Experiment Example: In a notable experiment mentioned by Andy Galpin, three groups were tested: one focused on endurance, another on strength, and a third did a combination of both without reducing the volume of either. It was found that the group engaging in combined endurance and strength workouts saw significant improvements in endurance markers, similar to the dedicated endurance group, without compromising their strength gains 1.

• Practical Integration: Andrew Huberman discusses how he optimizes his training by integrating various modalities (like endurance, strength, and hypertrophy) on different days, ensuring that each session indirectly supports others. This scheduling allows for adaptations across multiple fitness domains without the common pitfalls of traditional segmental training 2.

• Principle of Adaptation: At the core of effective concurrent training is the principle of adaptation. The idea is to carefully balance the training loads and recovery to facilitate improvements in both endurance and strength without one compromising the other significantly.

This approach challenges the traditional belief that one should exclusively focus on either strength or endurance to make meaningful progress. Instead, concurrent training offers a structured way to develop multiple fitness attributes simultaneously.