Does running affect the results of strength training?

Question

I read somewhere that running affects the results of strength/weight training by not gaining as much muscle as you would if you just strength/weight trained by itself.

Is this true or not? Why does this happen?

Also, if this is true would alternating these exercises (Mon. Wed. Fri. running. and Tues. Thurs. strength) prevent this?

Thanks in advance.

Answer 1

Yes, this is true.  Why does it happen? When you run you are doing cardiovascular exercise and some of your muscle mass may be depleted to be used as a source of energy.

Alternating these exercises would not reduce the effects of running in any way.  I do have a suggestion, you should try out HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training).  

It is basically a cardio involving running and jogging, but it is much more intense, and only done for 12-15 minutes.  It should only be done 2-3 times a week, non-consecutively.  

The biggest benefit is that it is the only cardio that completely sustains muscle mass, and another huge benefit is that it burns fat 9 times more effectively than any other cardio exercise.

Find out all about HIIT here:

http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/wotw40.h...

Best of luck!

Answer 2

Depends upon the type of running. Longer duration distance running will make you stringy and small. I don't know many runners with athletic bodies. Now short duration, sprinting or any running done for 30 minutes or less will not really sacrifice much muscle. The reason is that your muscles run on glycogen. Running depletes this quickly. When your system runs out of glycogen it actually feeds on the muscle. Running also taxes your CNS and slows recovery of muscle growth.