Being a "Hybrid Athlete" (Powerlifting and being an Endurance Athlete)

Training Q&A [Moderated]
1

Hi BBM Crew!
I initially asked Jordan this through Instagram but he said to further the discussion here. So I have been seeing some stuff on this guy named Alex Viada and him claiming that you can be an endurance athlete and a powerlifter and excel at both.

My question is: What are your thoughts on being a “hybrid athlete” model approach that he promotes, and is it possible to be both “good” (competitive in competition) at being an endurance athlete and a powerlifter? (Running sub 6 minute miles and being a +600lb deadlifter)

2

I like Alex and I do think there are roles for pure conditioning work in competitive and recreational lifters alike. That said, I do not think that most folks will be competitive in either discipline regardless of training and, furthermore, even less will be competitive doing both.

I do think that most Americans should do more conditioning, sure, but I don’t think I’d feel comfortable advertising a high success rate for competitive powerlifters who also run competitive times. Rather, if someone doesn’t really want to be competitive in one or both arenas OR has previously developed a high level of performance in one area, then maybe that’s possible. Just unlikely for most folks.

For the record, a 600lb squat and <6 min mile isn’t competitive unless you’re 83kg or less (powerlifting) or > 60 years old. They are both very respectable numbers nonetheless.

3

That makes sense.

So would you say for general purposes (non-competition), if one wants to get stronger and increase their aerobic conditioning simultaneously would this still be a viable approach to training or would you still recommend against it?

4

Would what specifically be a viable approach?

5

Would it be viable to try to train for endurance and strength simultaneously?

6

Would training for endurance (running multiple miles a week) and training for strength simultaneously be recommended, or is that not conducive to getting good at both?

7

I found this thread. I’m familiar with Alex and “hybrid” training. Jordan, for the non-competitor that is training for overall health/strength/conditioning, do you think it matters how one approaches the training from a programming standpoint as long as the minimum requirements or greater are met for cardiovascular training? Thanks.