Hybrid training allows you to make serious progress in building strength and endurance.

Here, experts give advice on how to balance the two.

Im an Exercise PhysiologistHeres Why You Shouldnt Worry About Cortisol Spikes When You Do HIIT Workouts.

alt

Elliptical vs Treadmill: Which Cardio Machine Is Right For You?

Does Rowing Count as Strength Training?

Hybrid workouts are a great way to switch up your fitness routine.

woman sweating in the gym

Antoine Hamelin is a certified personal trainer, author, kinesiologist, and CEO of First Step Fitness.

The same goes for strength trainingrepeatedly doing the same exercises can get boring.

Hybrid training will help keep you mentally fresh and make workouts more fun while helpingprevent burnoutandplateaus in your fitness.

What is hybrid training?

Woman walking on a treadmill at the gym.

Running is amuscular enduranceactivity.

Many people think its just cardio, says certified trainerHolly Perkins, CSCS.

So its actually a muscular event.

Full body female athlete in sportswear using rowing machine during fitness workout in gym.

And the same is true for HIIT and plyometrics, or jump training, too.

Conversely, the same concept applies to cardio.

If you prioritize aerobic exercise and avoid strength training, you wont reap the many health benefits ofbuilding muscle.

Happy woman dancing and listening to music near a green empty wall outdoor in the city.

Antoine Hamelin is a certified personal trainer, author, kinesiologist, and CEO of First Step Fitness.

Cardio works synergistically with strength training.

In addition, regularcardio workoutscan help build muscle.

When your cardiovascular system works more efficiently, it helpsincrease blood flow to musclesand improve circulation.

Healthy female training in the gym, performing a hip thrust.

Building muscle does much more than make you stronger.

Strength training has also been shown to enhance digestion andreduce your risk of chronic diseaseslike cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

Flip your focus and your priorities each week.

A young black woman doing post-run stretches in the park on the road amidst green grass and trees.

Nutrition for hybrid training

Not all calories are created equal.

A great deal of research shows that consuming protein within theanabolic [i.e.

However, several studies also show thatconsistent protein intake throughout the daycan equally support muscle growth, Cavuto says.

Caloric needs are highly individualized, based on age, gender, height, weight, and activity level.

Use this example for reference only.

Heres What Experts Say

Glute Bridge vs Hip Thrust: Which Is The Better Booty Booster?

Im a Master TrainerHeres Why You Shouldnt Skip Your Post-Run Stretches.

Youre more likely to stick with hybrid training if youre doing workouts you enjoy.

If youre unsure where to start, try various workouts in different locations.

See what works best for you and make it your own.

Youll likely burn more calories starting a hybrid training program, so you must ensure youre consuming enough calories.

Theres even a name for this conditionovertraining syndrome (OTS).

OTS can occur if you do too much physical activity too soon.

Avoid OTS by building up your fitness gradually.

After a rigorous workout, take time off forrest and recovery.

During the recovery phase, your muscles rebuild and you get stronger.

This will help give your body and brain a well-deserved break from training.

Be flexible in your workout routine

Combining strength training with cardio can work a few different ways.

…

Got it, you’ve been added to our email list.