Strength Training whilst doing intensive cardio??

Elle408

Just wondering if anyone had any specific advice for improving strength whilst having to maintain an intensive cardio routine? I'm in my university rowing club and through that have to do a lot of cardio, we do circuits 2-3 times a week, plus a long run (about an hour, so 10K) and have erg tests (concept 2 rowing for an intense 10 minutes or so) We're pretty much doing some intense cardio 6 times a week. I'm only fitting in 2 weights sessions a week, and that's usually after my erg tests so I'm pretty tired, and I'm just not seeing any strength gain. I am getting some muscle definition (not enough), but my strength hasn't improved at all.

I will admit to just using the gym resistance machines, the weights room at uni is absolutely rammed with blokes on every machine, all the time, which does intimidate me.

I've been reading a lot about IF and lean gains and really like the sound of it, but I'm not sure if it would work for me whilst doing the cardio!

rmhand

You will need a calorie surplus to build muscle and strength.

Elle408

I'm eating a lot, roughly 22-2400 calories a day, so I don't think it's calories. I probably didn't make my question more clear, it just seems that all I have read about IF and lean gains and strength training tell you to limit cardio or don't mention it at all. So I'm not sure if it's even possible to gain strength, whilst undertaking so much cardio. I can't seem to lift more than about 25kg and don't seem to be able to progress, looking lean and athletic isn't an issue, but there's no power behind my muscles!

rmhand

22-2400 calories is probably only supporting your intensive cardio. I agree that limiting cardio would be ideal but it sounds like you can't do that at the moment. I'm saying increase your calories even more so your body has even more building blocks for building muscle. Make sure you have lots of protein and Amino Acids like BCAAs.