The Benefits of Concurrent Training: How to Live Longer and Stronger
The short answer
Strength training builds muscle and protects you as you age, but pairing it with aerobic conditioning is what stacks the odds on living longer. A 2018 study of more than 122,000 people found that higher cardiorespiratory fitness was associated with a lower risk of death from any cause. That is the whole argument for concurrent training: do both, and you get the strength benefits and the longevity benefits at once.
This quick article is for all my lifters.
After you read this, watch this video to learn more about how we do concurrent training.
It's pretty easy to "sell" strength training for all its benefits.
Strength training and hypertrophy training are two essential methods of fitness that can help you build strength, increase muscle mass and improve your overall health. Strength training is a type of exercise that involves using resistance to make the muscles stronger over time, while hypertrophy training focuses on increasing muscle size. Both approaches are important for achieving specific physical goals, as well as for preventing injury and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. With proper technique and dedication, strength training and hypertrophy training can help you develop muscles, burn fat and improve your overall body composition. Not only will these techniques give you the physical benefits of increased strength, but they also provide emotional wellness by giving you a sense of accomplishment. So, if you're looking to gain a competitive edge or just want to look and feel better, strength training and hypertrophy training are great places to start.
In addition to physical benefits, there are several psychological advantages associated with strength training and hypertrophy training. With regular practice, these exercises can improve your mood, your confidence, and your overall sense of well-being.
But what about conditioning?
Why are we so focused on concurrent training here at Garage Gym Athlete? We have looked at a lot of studies that prove its effectiveness for building strength and conditioning together. But what about the correlation to overall health?
Just look at a 2018 study titled "Association of Cardiorespiratory Fitness With Long-term Mortality Among Adults Undergoing Exercise Treadmill Testing." It showed just how important aerobic fitness is. We covered the same territory in Does Conditioning Really Effect Strength?
The study showed that higher levels of cardiorespiratory fitness are associated with a lower risk of death from any cause.
Live longer?
The study followed over 122,000 people who underwent exercise treadmill testing to evaluate their aerobic fitness, and the research showed that the higher their fitness level, the lower the risk of death. The findings suggest that maintaining good cardiorespiratory fitness can be a great way to promote long-term health and longevity. It also supports the idea that strength training and hypertrophy training help improve overall health and wellness.
Together, strength training and cardiovascular conditioning can help you achieve your fitness goals. These exercises also provide psychological advantages through increased confidence, improved mood, and better overall well-being. With dedication and proper technique, you're sure to experience the physical and mental benefits of working out.
This is the case for integrating strength training and aerobic conditioning into one routine: it delivers a wide range of physical and mental health benefits. The findings from this study are an important reminder that good cardiorespiratory fitness is key to long-term health and longevity, and that everyone should aim to maintain it through regular physical activity.
Cardio combined with strength training is an effective way to improve overall health and wellbeing. Because higher levels of cardiorespiratory fitness are associated with a lower risk of death, it makes sense to prioritize both. By committing to a routine that combines them, you gain the physical and psychological benefits of exercise while also protecting your long-term health.
GGA and concurrent training
At Garage Gym Athlete, we believe that integrating strength training and conditioning is crucial for achieving optimal health and wellness. Every training track is programmed that way, from the well-rounded Hard to Kill track to the endurance-weighted Endure track. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced lifter, there's a track that fits.
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Frequently asked questions
What are the benefits of concurrent training?
You get the strength, muscle, and body composition benefits of resistance training plus the cardiorespiratory benefits of aerobic work, in one program. The research links higher cardiorespiratory fitness with a lower risk of death from any cause, which is why doing both beats picking one.
Does conditioning hurt your strength gains?
Far less than lifters have been told. The interference effect that dominated early research looks small in modern meta-analyses, and it mostly matters for athletes chasing elite explosiveness.
How does cardiorespiratory fitness affect longevity?
The 2018 treadmill-testing study of more than 122,000 adults found that as fitness level went up, all-cause mortality risk went down. It is an association rather than proof of cause, but it is a large and consistent one.
How do you combine strength and conditioning in one week?
The simplest approach is alternating days, or separating the two sessions by several hours when they land on the same day. Build the strength work around compound lifts and keep most conditioning at a low, conversational intensity.
Train like an athlete. For life.
Programming built this way: hard when it counts, sustainable the rest of the time.
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