Performance
A · High confidenceCombining strength and endurance training: what it delivers
Subject: Maximizing Adaptations in Concurrent Training: An Umbrella Review of Meta-analyses
What this means
Combining strength and endurance gave the same fitness gains as endurance alone, plus more strength. Compared with strength training alone, fitness improved more and strength and muscle growth were similar.
Held S, Wolf L, Rappelt L, Bloch W, Donath L, Micke F, Geisler S, Isenmann E · 2026 · Sports Medicine
What does this rating mean?
Multiple consistent meta-analyses or a position stand. Sufficient basis for a fixed choice in the coaching.
Findings
Aerobic-capacity improvements were comparable between concurrent training and endurance training alone; concurrent training was superior to endurance training alone for strength. Strength, power and hypertrophy were comparable between concurrent training and resistance training alone, with no significant effect of intra-session sequence.
Who this applies to
Healthy participants, mainly recreationally trained people. Little is known about highly trained and elite athletes.
Size of the research
Seventeen meta-analyses covering 144 studies and 1492 healthy participants.
What to keep in mind
The order of strength and endurance made no clear difference. There were only indications that training strength first may favour strength and muscle growth.
Practical conclusion for REZA
Clients who want both strength and cardio can simply combine them without sacrificing strength or hypertrophy gains — and session order barely matters.
View method and source
Methodology
Evidence overview
Population
17 meta-analyses covering 144 individual studies and 1492 healthy, mostly recreationally trained participants
Intervention
Concurrent training (resistance + endurance) vs endurance training alone, resistance training alone, and different intra-session sequences
Outcome measures
Aerobic capacity, maximal strength, power, muscle hypertrophy
Limitations
Umbrella-level synthesis inherits heterogeneity and overlap of primary studies; data on highly trained/elite athletes scarce; conclusions apply mainly to recreationally trained adults.
Original source
DOI: 10.1007/s40279-026-02401-y · PMID: 41762427
View on PubMed →This information is general education about scientific research. It is not personal medical advice and does not replace diagnosis or treatment by a doctor or other healthcare professional. If you have symptoms, a medical condition or take medication, consult your GP or treating professional before changing your training or nutrition.