Combining Forms of Exercise & Compatibility Issues

When combining forms of exercise, compatibility issues can exist. The different forms of exercise, such as strength training, power training, plyometrics, aerobic endurance training, sports practice, and flexibility, sometimes have competing physiological interests. These competing interests mean that one form of training can negatively impact the performance of another form of training.

Finding the optimal way to combine different forms of exercise isn’t exactly clear. Due to the extensive number of options for combining forms of exercise, and differences between individuals, there isn’t enough research to cover all of the possibilities. The science generally indicates that the higher the volume and intensity of your training program, the higher the likelihood of compatibility issues.

Due to the short term nature of studies conducted, it is also unclear whether the negative impacts of combining some forms of exercise continue indefinitely. Or if the improvements of each type of exercise are slowed down and these balance out over time.

From the research done on combining different forms of exercise, one can create some general guides. We have integrated these into our training programs.