Benefits of strenght training to Running?

Question

I am trying to lose weight through long distance running. Does lifting weights benefit my running or does it negate it ?

Answer 1

I would suggest that you see a personal trainer or a nutritionist. You can't get specific help without me knowing more info...

I'm guessing you want to lose weight because you are overweight, not because you're bulemic or anything. If that's the case, long distance running will achieve a bit of weight loss initially. Once you get your cardio levels up, you're not going to experience the loss that you initially did, because your body will have to work less to run the distance.

If you are overweight, long distance running will put a LOT of stress on your joints (knees, shins, etc). Depending on your running form, you can do some serious damage over time.

In the situation that I assumed you to be in, I would recommend 80% strength training, 20% cardio. Work strength training, then end the training with a bit of cardio. Do this kind of cardio every other day with your strength workouts. That way, you'll not have too high cardio levels, and every time you do cardio, it'll push your system hard enough to burn a good amount of calories.

Building muscle is really important to losing FAT, but you'll not lose weight. So don't stress over the weight scale. Look instead at clothing fit, and you'll see the results from that perspective.

Answer 2

I strongly recommend weight training if you are into long distance running. I was a long distance runner for over 20 years, but have not been able to run for two years now due to plantar fasciitis - just one of many injuries that can be avoided if you balance your running with selected weight training and stretching.

Besides injury prevention, in the short term, selected weight exercises can benefit your performance.

Running was a major factor in keeping my weight under control. Unfortunately I wasn't really into the weights or stretching (although I didn't altogether neglect them either). Without running, even though I still swim and bike, my weight is creeping up. Long story short, I am now the cautionary tale for your question (but still hoping to heal and get back into it).

Answer 3

It will help it, of course. You don't need to focus on gaining size, but for strength, flexibility and agility. Resistance training, when it's done right, will always help.

Especially if you're trying to lose weight. I don't know how anyone tries lose lose weight without weight training. It's stupid and unhealthy - it's only starving yourself if you aren't EATING right and IMPROVING the quality (strength and effectiveness) of your body's organ systems.

Answer 4

i do alot of crosscountry/lengthy distance walking i additionally incorporate weights into my coaching time table. if you're a runner and coaching for a marathon you dont wish to bulk up use much less weights that method your now not constructing mass muscle, simply powerful lean muscle. as a marathon runner you wish to be lean and light-weight to be able to upgrade velocity. this implies we wish force and staying power with out bulk. commonly earlier than i do lengthy distance runs/races i commonly ease up at the weights while tapering above all the diminish frame as to prevent any accidents. turns out to paintings.

Answer 5

it will actually help your body to function more properly then not lifting. You can look at it like a car, one with natural aspiration may not run as quickly as one with a turbo.

Answer 6

You will but on mass, but if you do it right it will be lean muscle mass. You will be less likely to get injured doing strenuous activity if you are well toned. I would definitely do both.