ABSTRACT
Many sports require a range of physical qualities including strength, power and aerobic capacity for optimal performance. Subsequently, training is likely to contain periods where concurrent development of fitness components is required and will typically be classified into two training categories, aerobic endurance and strength training. In order to optimize training, the interaction of these fitness components should be considered as aerobic endurance training may interfere with resistance training sessions via conflicting molecular signaling, which may blunt optimal muscular development. At present, there is a range of conflicting recommendations in the literature due to the challenges of comparing different training studies, and the variables which impact upon the magnitude of adaptation; including volume, intensity, sequencing, rest and concurrent training goals. Most importantly, the overall training stress should be considered to limit cumulative fatigue and minimize the potential negative effect on strength adaptations via dampened hypertrophic responses. Inter-session rest should be maximized wherever possible to reduce the interaction between competing molecular signaling pathways. Where required, strength training should be completed after aerobic endurance training to ensure overnight recovery facilitates strength based adaptations. Overall, optimal planning during concurrent training is a complex interaction where strength and conditioning professionals should be conscious of a range of factors and select a training regime that minimises the interference effect but also fits with their own training logistics.
