• Subscribe
  • E-Newsletter
  • Media Kit
  • Contact Us
  • Login
Community Rec
  • Topics
    • Community
    • Facility Development
    • Programming
    • Operations
  • Magazine
    • Current Issue
    • Past Issues
    • Subscribe
    • E-Newsletter
    • Media Kit
    • Contact Us
  • On-Demand
  • Continuing Education
    • Community Rec Leadership Summit
    • Webinars
    • Pickleball Innovators
  • Supplier Insights
    • Brand Voice
    • Supplier News
    • Supplier Voice
    • Case Studies
  • Podcast
  • Buyer’s Guide
No Result
View All Result
  • Topics
    • Community
    • Facility Development
    • Programming
    • Operations
  • Magazine
    • Current Issue
    • Past Issues
    • Subscribe
    • E-Newsletter
    • Media Kit
    • Contact Us
  • On-Demand
  • Continuing Education
    • Community Rec Leadership Summit
    • Webinars
    • Pickleball Innovators
  • Supplier Insights
    • Brand Voice
    • Supplier News
    • Supplier Voice
    • Case Studies
  • Podcast
  • Buyer’s Guide
No Result
View All Result
Community Rec
No Result
View All Result
Home In Print Pro Talk

Empowering Your Community to Embrace Combined Training

Karlie Intlekofer by Karlie Intlekofer
November 9, 2023
in Fitness, In Print, Pro Talk
0
Combined Training

Image courtesy of Shutterstock

Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Karlie Intlekofer of Matrix Fitness details the benefits of joining cardio and strength workouts.

In the world of health and fitness, strength has taken center stage. Fitness influencers emphasize the importance of strength training form and technique, and the focus on cardio promotion has diminished. Despite these trends, the latest research illuminates the advantages of a well-balanced mix of cardio and strength training. In fact, a blended approach offers health benefits neither can match on their own. Sharing the benefits of combined training can elevate engagement and foster healthier outcomes in your facility.

The Value of a Combined Approach

Regular exercise is crucial for metabolic health, improving blood lipids, blood sugar, blood pressure and reducing body fat. Only recently have comparison studies assessed the outcomes of cardio, strength or the combination. The results show routines that incorporate both cardio and strength are ideal, capitalizing on many aspects of health. As experts on this topic explain, combined exercise is the most effective choice in improving metabolic and cardiovascular parameters.

Whether individuals combine cardio and strength in one workout or embrace cardio- and strength-only formats, the key is to include training variety in any given week. 

Optimal Order

For those who do both cardio and strength in one workout, research highlights the hormonal advantages of cardio before strength. The amount of time and intensity for each will differ based on desired training outcomes.

Cardio-first workouts induce higher human growth hormone levels and measurable testosterone advantages in men. These anabolic hormones are twin titans of muscle development, so remind those you serve to embrace well-rounded workout routines that start with cardio to help them attain the hormone profiles supporting their desire for strength gains.

Cardio can also be incorporated by selecting equipment that targets the lower body before transitioning to lifts for the upper body. For example, programming with indoor cycles or treadmills can precede upper body strength training without muscle fatigue interfering with strength performance. 

Combination Training Across the Week

Another approach is to focus on cardio for some workouts and strength for others. This may support higher intensities and offers shorter workout options that may be a better match for those with busy schedules. 

Better Outcomes, Better Retention

The changing tides of fitness trends can capture attention, but your role remains — to empower, educate and elevate the experience for all who walk through your doors. Your staff, trainers and fitness instructors play an integral role in guiding member behavior. Share the stories of those who have embraced combination approaches and experience positive outcomes. In addition, provide ideas for how to combine the two approaches, including sample workouts, personal training insights in newsletters and social media, and through fitness challenges that incorporate both strength and cardio. By shining the spotlight on combination training, routines can be rebalanced in ways that deliver superior outcomes.

Stay up to date on industry trends, best practices, news and more.

Tags: cardioCombined trainingCommunity Reccommunity recreationMatrix FitnessNovember/December 2023Strength Training
Previous Post

Youth Soccer, SEL and Developing the Whole Child

Next Post

Inclusivity: Serving All Ages and Abilities

Karlie Intlekofer

Karlie Intlekofer

Karlie Intlekofer, Ph.D. is the global wellness researcher at Matrix Fitness. For more information, email karlie.intlekofer@matrixfitness.com or connect with her via LinkedIn.

Related Posts

Missoula Family YMCA
Cover Story

Missoula Family YMCA: Immeasurable Spirit

May 21, 2025
YMCA of Greater Boston
Ask The Expert

Q&A on the Healthy Habits Program at the YMCA of Greater Boston

May 21, 2025
Upace
Brand Voice

Empowering Connections: The Story of Upace and its Mission-Driven Platform

May 21, 2025
Risk Management
Features

Building a Culture of Safety with Risk Management

May 21, 2025
AI
Features

How AI is Revolutionizing Community Rec Centers

May 21, 2025
Story of Impact
In Print

Telling Your Story of Impact

May 21, 2025
Next Post
Inclusivity

Inclusivity: Serving All Ages and Abilities

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Exposure Guide + Media Kit

May/June 2025 Issue

Get Updates in your inbox

Stay up to date on industry trends, best practices, news and more.

Facebook Twitter Instagram LinkedIn

Contact us at info@communityrecmag.com

  • Home
  • Subscribe
  • E-Newsletter
  • Media Kit
  • Contact Us

The Current Issue

The Latest from CO

  • Product Spotlight: BeaverFit Shred Shed
  • Episode 20: Todd Tibbits on the Cali-Baja Binational Initiative
  • Tour the Hickory Foundation Branch of the Catawba Valley YMCA
  • Unconventional Ways to Develop Partnerships

© 2025 Community Rec Magazine. Published by Peake Media.

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password?

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In

Add New Playlist

No Result
View All Result
  • Topics
    • Community
    • Facility Development
    • Programming
    • Operations
  • Magazine
    • Current Issue
    • Past Issues
    • Subscribe
    • E-Newsletter
    • Media Kit
    • Contact Us
  • On-Demand
  • Continuing Education
    • Community Rec Leadership Summit
    • Webinars
    • Pickleball Innovators
  • Supplier Insights
    • Brand Voice
    • Supplier News
    • Supplier Voice
    • Case Studies
  • Podcast
  • Buyer’s Guide

© 2025 Community Rec Magazine. Published by Peake Media.