SL 5x5 and Running

greggyboy77
greggyboy77 Posts: 10 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
Hey folk!
Been doing SL 5x5 for a few months now (wish I started years ago!) and have just started running a few weeks ago. I have tried doing these alternately but finding that my legs aren't getting the rest they need. Does anyone else have this problem? I am thinking of doing the squats on the days I do the running, then on the alternative days do the other exercises on SL 5x5 and not the squats, giving my legs a day off!
I do all this in the morning before work, and have suffered in the past from bad knee's, but since losing 64 pounds and doing strength training, my knee's seem to be strong again.
Any advice would be most welcome :-)
Thanks
G

Replies

  • Meganthedogmom
    Meganthedogmom Posts: 1,639 Member
    I personally wouldn't switch it up like that. When I was doing SL5x5 I was also running 3 days a week and didn't have an issue - but listen to your body. If it's too much, cut back on one or the other. I think the more you do it, you'll figure out how to make your routine work.
  • greggyboy77
    greggyboy77 Posts: 10 Member
    meganridenour wrote: »
    I personally wouldn't switch it up like that. When I was doing SL5x5 I was also running 3 days a week and didn't have an issue - but listen to your body. If it's too much, cut back on one or the other. I think the more you do it, you'll figure out how to make your routine work.

    Thanks Megan
    Will give it a few more weeks and see how I get on.
  • FatWithFatness
    FatWithFatness Posts: 315 Member
    You probably just need to up your fitness level, you're new so your body is still adapting, If you can fit it in your schedule, try walking 30-40 minutes 5-6 a week, even if it's just 10-15 min after each meal and running 2-3 days. The more you move the easier it will get.
  • BrianSharpe
    BrianSharpe Posts: 9,248 Member
    Part of it that you're adapting to new demands that running is placing on your body and, as you've observed, you're probably not getting enough recovery. I went through a similar situation, I've been running for years and during the off season when my runs are typically shorter (nothing more than 3 - 5 miles 4 x weekly) I was fine but i found that as I started ramping up my distances combined with squatting 3 x weekly I had dead legs, given that running is my priority I dropped the heavy squats down to 1 x weekly and do lighter (usually goblet) squats on the other days and it seems to be working ok.
  • klrenn
    klrenn Posts: 245 Member
    I was running while doing StrongLifts and I found it easier to run on the same day after my lifting. Lifting was my focus, though, so I wasn't running long distances.
  • ValeriePlz
    ValeriePlz Posts: 517 Member
    Stronglifts 5x5 helped me get into good shape to run, but I've been worried about doing it at the same time as running for the same reasons. I do long distance and triathlon, and I want to make sure I get rest. I think I'm going to re-integrate some low-weight squats, bench press, and some heavy dead lifts back into my routine.
  • slaite1
    slaite1 Posts: 1,307 Member
    Personally, I would go through the strong lifts program for the prescribed time (I think their is a specific weight or time-or maybe just when your lifts stall??) before adding in that much running. Maybe just run once or twice a week for now, or shorter runs (assuming you are running as much as I think). Supplement with some walking as described above.

    I would definitely not change the program as you described. Remember, you're feeling good-but you are still a beginner. Keep your focus. Baby steps

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