Dr Kate Baldwin from Endurance Movement talks to us about the importance of strength training for endurance athletes. We discuss the common misconceptions around high rep ranges and the need to go heavy when it comes to performance-based measures. We also talk about starting light, getting used to the gym environment and dealing with the muscle soreness that comes with strength training.

We discuss the significance of a sensible progression of load and muscle contractions, as well as the difference in muscle soreness between experienced and inexperienced athletes. Kate shares her expertise on how strength training for endurance athletes should be complementary, rather than detrimental, to their endurance training.

Lastly, we explore effective strength training strategies such as gradually decreasing reps in reserve, transitioning from machine-based exercises to free-weight movements, and the importance of warm-up exercises and activations before a heavy lifting session.

LINKS:

Dr Kate Baldwin at https://endurancemovement.com/     

Dr Richard Blaygrove at https://www.lboro.ac.uk/schools/sport-exercise-health-sciences/people/richard-blagrove/