AboutJoe Gunn Expertise Anything related to strength training, long distance running, speed development for all sports, and weight loss issues.
Experience Over 30 years as a personal trainer of athletes as well as average individuals.
Organizations Certified strength and Conditioning Specialist with the the National Strength and Conditiong Association. Certified Club coach with the United States Weightlifting Association. Certifed Level II long distance coach with the USA Track & Field.
Education/Credentials M.S with majors in exercise science and psychology
Expert: Joe Gunn Date: 6/11/2008 Subject: Running and muscle mass
Question Hello Joe,
My name is Adolfo and i am 18, I never really made much exercise in my life,
although i'm not unfit at all, for the past year my body has really gone
through a lot of big changes in terms of muscle mass, so i decided to do
some weight lifting for a while but gave up, and now i really got into running,
and i simply love it! At start i began to run 10 minutes, but now, two weeks
later i can go on for an hour, i'm really happy with myself, so now each day i
run for 45 minutes so i don't push my muscles too hard, i do 3 back pull ups
and 3 arms pull ups ( these were a real pain to even do 3, i had a lot of
weight for my strength) i do push ups and sit ups.
The question is, what is your advice to me? i don't want to be skinny like most
runners, i want to have some muscles but at the same time great body
strength and resistance. What should i do?
Thanks in advance.
Cheers,
Adolfo Caldeira
Ps: sorry for the long post.
Answer Hi Adolfo, very long distance running and a large muscle mass don't mix...however you are not doing very long distance running.....just a good 45 minute aerobic workout. I suggest strength training 3 days a week and running 5-6 days a week. On the surface it sounds like you increased too fast but I don't konw all the facts. I suggest easy running (about 70% of your heart rate max for most of the run). For your strength training I suggest a total body workout 3 days a week with 2-3 sets of 10-12 reps for most exercises. Consult with a personal trainer certified by one of the national certifying organizations for more specifics.
