how much weight training should go into preparing for a triathlon?
I plan to work out 6 days a week, 2 days on swimming seeing that this is my weakest part, 1 day on bike riding because i cycle alot already and it is my strongest leg of the race, and 2 days running. I was planning to do weights 3 days a week 1 day dedicated to upper body and the other 2 dedicated to lower body, with Abs on all 3 weight days. I was just wondering if this is an appropiate training regimen for a beginner triathlete. I will also through in some combo workouts probly in week 3 after i have started to get more up to par with my cardio. I was mainly concerned with the weight lifting though, any advice would be great.
If you are from a weight lifting background like I was 3 years ago when I started training for my first tri you would be better served by doing less weights and adding more swim, bike and runs. I only lift weights 2 days a week max (usually full body) and only 1 day as maintenance close to and during racing season. Triathlon lifting is not the same as conventional bodybuilding type lifting. You work more on movements that involve several muscle groups and a lot of core work. I typically shoot for 3 training sessions of swim, bike & run each plus 2 weight sessions a week (this is probably too much for a beginner, but is what you should work up to after your first year). You should read some triathlon training books such as the triathlon training bible (more advanced). There are also other beginner training books around (a think one is called triathlon training for ordinary mortals).
March 15th, 2010 at 9:29 pm
If you are from a weight lifting background like I was 3 years ago when I started training for my first tri you would be better served by doing less weights and adding more swim, bike and runs. I only lift weights 2 days a week max (usually full body) and only 1 day as maintenance close to and during racing season. Triathlon lifting is not the same as conventional bodybuilding type lifting. You work more on movements that involve several muscle groups and a lot of core work. I typically shoot for 3 training sessions of swim, bike & run each plus 2 weight sessions a week (this is probably too much for a beginner, but is what you should work up to after your first year). You should read some triathlon training books such as the triathlon training bible (more advanced). There are also other beginner training books around (a think one is called triathlon training for ordinary mortals).
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