What is Concurrent Training?

Concurrent training combines both strength and endurance work within a programme. Research shows an ‘interference effect’ where endurance training can blunt strength and hypertrophy adaptations from resistance training — particularly when done in the same session or on the same day. The mechanism involves AMPK pathway activation from endurance exercise interfering with mTOR pathway activation from strength training. Strategies to minimise interference: separate sessions by 6+ hours, do strength first if on the same day, prioritise the goal sport, and focus cardio on low-impact modalities (cycling rather than running for strength athletes). Concurrent training is unavoidable for triathletes and most team sport athletes.