@EamonnFlanagan: Power and Endurance: Polar Opp...

Power and Endurance: Polar Opposites or Willing Partners?

📑 New Review Article

This review explores evidence for interference or reciprocation btw peak neuromuscular power & endurance performance

Key findings below 👇

Strength training enhances endurance performance via:

↑ Running economy / movement economy
↑ Fatigue resistance
↑ Neuromuscular reserve for end-sprint / surges

2–3 resistance sessions per week (≈25% of total training) is beneficial for endurance athletes.

Strength and power training is particularly valuable for rowers and cyclists where both high aerobic capacity & leg muscle volume underpin performance.

Power & endurance are not polar opposites, but mutually reinforcing qualities across the performance and health spectrum.

More recent evidence shows "Interference Effect” is overstated.

No sig. interference w strength or hypertrophy in moderately trained athletes

Explosive strength (RFD, jump performance) may be impaired if endurance & resistance are performed in same session w/ high fatigue

Practical application: Separate endurance & resistance sessions by >6 hours especially in highly trained athletes

Concurrent training isn't an issue. Poor sequencing, excessive fatigue, and lack of specificity are.

Identify priorities and program accordingly