Help! Starting stronglifts, but I also want to do C25K?
LSJC18
Posts: 48 Member
Hello Everyone!
I'm new to Stronglifts 5x5, but I have been reading up on it for a few weeks now. I finally joined a gym today with a power rack and an olympic barbell. I want to work myself up to lifting heavy and getting stronger. For the past 3 months I have been circuit training due to a complete lack of fitness, but I have finally outgrown it and I feel ready to begin heavy lifting.
Anyway, the problem is that cardio isn't highly recommended to do alongside the stronglifts program, but in addition to lifting heavy, I want to be able to run with stamina. I'm currently horrible at running but I want to build up my endurance. The C25K or Couch to 5K program demands that I run only 3x a week for approximately 30 minutes each, to reach 5K in 9 weeks.
Since the beginning of the stronglifts program is supposed to be less challenging, can I run and lift without too many problems? Is it just a pipe dream? Any advice on how to nail it?
Thank you so much in advance!
Love,
LSJ
I'm new to Stronglifts 5x5, but I have been reading up on it for a few weeks now. I finally joined a gym today with a power rack and an olympic barbell. I want to work myself up to lifting heavy and getting stronger. For the past 3 months I have been circuit training due to a complete lack of fitness, but I have finally outgrown it and I feel ready to begin heavy lifting.
Anyway, the problem is that cardio isn't highly recommended to do alongside the stronglifts program, but in addition to lifting heavy, I want to be able to run with stamina. I'm currently horrible at running but I want to build up my endurance. The C25K or Couch to 5K program demands that I run only 3x a week for approximately 30 minutes each, to reach 5K in 9 weeks.
Since the beginning of the stronglifts program is supposed to be less challenging, can I run and lift without too many problems? Is it just a pipe dream? Any advice on how to nail it?
Thank you so much in advance!
Love,
LSJ
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Replies
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Just give it a go. SL is 3 days a week, so is the C25K. So alternate and have 1 full rest day. And if you find you can't cope, drop whichever you're enjoying least, or adapt the programs to suit what you'd like to do. And enjoy getting fitter and stronger
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at some point you will need to work out which is your priority as they are slightly opposing objectives (eg slower progression on weight or slower/shorter running speed); however there are people on here who regularly run or do other similar activities, so have a go!0
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Give it a bash! - I am attempting the same!0
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I alternate running days with lifting days where Sundays are my rest days. I can do a 5k but I'm currently working on getting up to an 8k. Its possible, but definitely take a break from one or the other if you feel too tired. Also eat enough!0
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I started SL 3 weeks ago, but also skate 3-4 times per week for 2 hours because I play roller derby. I wanted to start lifting heavy to gain strength for the roller derby and also because I've been stuck on the amount I can lift and squat for a while.
Some days, I lift in the morning and skate at night, some days I alternate, depending on my practice schedule. I do get one or two days off each week for rest. I haven't yet noticed any conflict between the two activities, but I've really just started the SL, so am at pretty light weights (I started with just the 45 pound bar). I am hoping I can do both. Will keep watching here to see how you're doing. I hope you can do both!0 -
My experience is that the Stronglifts will automatically improve your running - no need to necessarily "practice" the runnning.
I play tennis on a recreational league. I used to "practice" tennis 1-2 times a week plus play a match on the weekends. My endurance never really improved. I would get winded on my service games and be dragging by the end of a match, pretty glad that it was over.
Since starting lifting about 12 weeks ago, my tennis game has improved tremendously. My endurance is better, I never get tired, an entire match is seriously easy, I am WAY quicker on the court. It is a ridiculous improvement and I am now NOT practicing tennis - only playing matches.
Additionally, I have done a couple of "test" runs - I used to run a 1.5 mile loop a few times a week and it was always killer. I had to work up to it and if I skipped a few times, I was huffing and puffing. I ran it just as a test last week and it was a breeze.
All due to heavy lifting. :-)0 -
I did both at the same time, on the same days actually. I would recommend that if you are doing both on the same day, start with SL, then do C25K. You may be too tired after running/walking to lift well.0
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My experience is that the Stronglifts will automatically improve your running - no need to necessarily "practice" the runnning.
Yeah I've noticed my running improve a good bit from starting to lift. Mainly because I believe lifting helped my legs get strong enough to where I don't get shin splints anymore.0 -
Thanks everyone! All great advice!0
