[Karen]

Just a question: Occasionally I use the treadmill at gym (as I did this morning, as my usual woodland path was too muddy after yesterday's torrential rains). But, is it a good idea to do treadmill running followed by muscle strength training on the various gym equipment pieces in the same session? Or should I rather do just running one day, and muscle building on separate days? And, why?

 

[Dave]

I used do do strenght training as well as running but the running has taken over now.

I`d also like to know the best mix of training, or am I just better off doing what I love,which is pounding the streets covering 20/30 miles a week.

 

[Steve]

I don't see why a mixture of the two can't be done though doing a muscle session after a long run might not be my idea of fun!
I often do a mixed gym session invoving treadmill, ex bike, cross trainer,rower(yuk) and stepper...some stretches and a swim/sauna.
I generally go to the gym with the aim of doing some muscle/upper body work but always seem to end up on the treadmill with my earphones on.

 

[Dave]

Never used a gym or treadmill I my life.

Just a few weights in the garage,now gathering dust.

 

[Steve]

You should try a gym Dave..they tend to have bars!

 

[Cheryl]

There's no reason why you shouldn't do both in one session but you should always do the weights first and CV last.

 

[Steve]

Is there a personal trainer out there who could advise about the type of cross training/gymwork that best suits running?

 

[Cheryl]

My personal trainer gives me sports specific programmes, these include:

- Lots of core work on the ball.
- Squats/deadlifts using your own bodyweight.
- Walking lunges with weights and a twist.
- Knee drives.
- Calf raises.
- Seated rowing.
- Woodchops.

 

[Steve]

"Woodchops"?

 

[Cheryl]

LOW-TO-HIGH REVERSE
WOODCHOPPER● Stand with your right side
facing a cable station,
feet shoulder-width
apart. Bend over and
hold the stirrup handle
with both hands by your
right calf muscle. Your
shoulders will be rotated
towards the cable
machine. Keep your arms
straight throughout
the movement.
● Pull the handle up and
across your torso as you
straighten your body and
twist your shoulders to
the left. Your right arm
will end up in front of your
face, the handle at the
same height as your ear.
● Pause, then slowly return
to the starting position.
Finish the reps on this
side, then switch sides.

 

[Nellie]

Why? I always do CV then weights!

 

[Cheryl]

If you don't do the weights first then you'll fatigue the muscles and deplete your glycogen stores which then means you're using muscle mass for the endurance/CV training.

 

[Nellie]

Oh.............