William J. Kraemer. Ph.D. is a professor of applied physiology and director of research in the Center for Sports Medicine at Penn State University. In addition it is important that the resistance training program is a sport-specific training program which focuses on the postural support muscles of the upper body and the muscles of the ankle, knee and lower back. Fears that if strength training will negatively affect run performance have essentially been eliminated if a sport specific program is developed. I n essence, a well designed and consistently performed resistance training program will increase strength, improve sport performance, increase fat-free body mass, and decrease body fat.
Training is specific.
The body will always try to adapt to demands imposed on it. Anyone who has tried to come back after a long layoff from running knows just how true this is. It is interesting to look at what studies have to say about performing endurance training and resistance training concurrently. Development of maximal oxygen consumption is not compromised when concurrent strength and endurance training are performed. Concurrent strength and endurance training do not negatively affect endurance capabilities.