Strong lifts - running between sets?

c613477

I have been doing strong lifts 5x 5 for 5 months now. At first I just rested between sets. Then started walking a couple of laps (my gym has a small track) between each set. In the past month I started running between most of the sets. I typically get 2 to 2.5 miles in during each workout, so I thought in about 1 hour I get strength and some HIIT run ( I even sprint some of the laps). Today a trainer from the gym came to me and said running between sets of weight lifting would ruin my progress. Is that true? By the way this is not my trainer... I don't have any.

jemhh

If I had the energy to run between sets I would take shorter rest breaks. I don't do SL so I don't know the "rules" but when I rest between sets it's just long enough to catch my breath a bit, which I don't do by running.

c613477

I guess I keep my HR between 120-155 during the entire time. My rest breaks are only between 90 seconds and 2 minutes unless I fail a set ( then I wait 3 minutes). Anyone else who uses strong lifts with cardio in between?

kshama2001

Did the trainer elaborate on the rational behind running between sets ruining your progress?

When I have a gym membership, I hop on the elliptical for a few minutes in between sets. That's the only way I can stand the elliptical and I love the way I feel at the end of the workout.

I wasn't doing Stronglifts, though.

klrenn

Are you still increasing weight on the bar every workout? I know I would not be able to complete my sets if I were running during my rest...

kami3006

You would likely not progress as the program is designed. Rest periods are for resting your muscles and central nervous system so you can do the next set with proper form. IMO, if I was able to run between sets and still lift then I wasn't lifting heavy enough.

shadow2soul

There probably is some truth to it. In the FAQ on the stronglifts website it specifically says to do nothing during your rest period. Just to rest and focus on your next set.

Liftng4Lis

You're doing a progressive lifting program. You need to be increasing the weight, so you're not able to run between sets.

jemhh

Is your gym not very busy? How do you not lose your spot when you take off running?

kshama2001

jemhh wrote: »

Is your gym not very busy? How do you not lose your spot when you take off running?

I know this was meant for the OP, but I go at way off peak times so I don't feel like I'm being rude by doing this.

PeachyCarol

Progressive lifting with a heavy load? I wouldn't run between sets. I think at one point I remember reading why you rested, but I can't pull the information off the top of my head.

TheopolisAmbroiseIII

There's some pretty prevalent bro science that cardio ruins strength gains. At first you could probably do that no problem, but once you are doing squats with your own bodyweight on your shoulders, you'll probably not feel like doing it. It's not a matter of ruining gains so much as "oh god, I have to do that again in 60 seconds".

3dogsrunning

kami3006 wrote: »

You would likely not progress as the program is designed. Rest periods are for resting your muscles and central nervous system so you can do the next set with proper form. IMO, if I was able to run between sets and still lift then I wasn't lifting heavy enough.

This.

AnvilHead

c613477 wrote: »

I have been doing strong lifts 5x 5 for 5 months now. At first I just rested between sets. Then started walking a couple of laps (my gym has a small track) between each set. In the past month I started running between most of the sets. I typically get 2 to 2.5 miles in during each workout, so I thought in about 1 hour I get strength and some HIIT run ( I even sprint some of the laps). Today a trainer from the gym came to me and said running between sets of weight lifting would ruin my progress. Is that true? By the way this is not my trainer... I don't have any.

As the weights get heavier, it has the possibility of ruining your progress in that you'll be too fatigued to do the next set(s), and won't be able to move up in weight according to the SL progression.

c613477

Thanks everyone! Ok I will try resting between sets and see if my progress improves. I guess I have the jitters... Can't usually sit still very well. I am squatting my body weight now so it has been tougher for me. I am pretty sore today so maybe running is overdoing it.

And I go at pretty low volume times like 10 am. Most of the people there at that time are over 65 and chat while walking around. I am usually alone or have a couple other people in the weight area.

c613477

TheopolisAmbroiseIII wrote: »

There's some pretty prevalent bro science that cardio ruins strength gains. At first you could probably do that no problem, but once you are doing squats with your own bodyweight on your shoulders, you'll probably not feel like doing it. It's not a matter of ruining gains so much as "oh god, I have to do that again in 60 seconds".

Today I felt a little like that!! Maybe it is a sign...

c613477

kshama2001 wrote: »

jemhh wrote: »

Is your gym not very busy? How do you not lose your spot when you take off running?

I know this was meant for the OP, but I go at way off peak times so I don't feel like I'm being rude by doing this.

Same here. I am not rude...often I am alone. Now the cardio area is packed.

LaurenAOK

amyrebeccah wrote: »

kami3006 wrote: »

You would likely not progress as the program is designed. Rest periods are for resting your muscles and central nervous system so you can do the next set with proper form. IMO, if I was able to run between sets and still lift then I wasn't lifting heavy enough.

This. Stronglifts starts low on purpose so that you can learn good form on low weight. But if you're five months in, you should be challenged on at least on some of the lifts.

Echoing this