Strength Training vs. Cross Training

Training for endurance sports require specificity, make sure you're training the correct way.

Are strength training and cross-training for endurance athletes the same thing?

The short answer is no, but here is my explanation and why it's different.

When training for endurance sports, you have specificity. It is specific to the event you're doing. For example, running is specific to marathon training. So what is considered cross-training? Cross-training is anything similar to developing your aerobic capacity that running does. Think biking, swimming, rowing, etc. Cross-training can be used to help you improve your aerobic fitness, or get you through a time when you might be injured. It isn't really building strength.

So you might be asking yourself, how is strength training different?

Strength training is what it sounds like it is developing strength. You are not necessarily working on developing aerobic endurance at all. Utilizing strength training in your overall program can lead to major benefits. It is vital to developing strength, power, and injury resiliency. It truly will help you reach the finish line stronger!

Cross-training is important and can be used effectively to improve your fitness, but strength training and cross-training aren't the same thing.

Train smart, and reach the finish line stronger!

- Coach James

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Meet Coach James

James Spencer, Founder

I was born and raised in Southeast Kansas and developed an interest in sports and fitness early in life. To pursue my passion in teaching and coaching, I received a Bachelor of Science in Education from Pittsburg State University in 2007. I taught physical education and coached basketball in a rural community south of Kansas City for 7 years, and in 2013, I completed my Master’s Degree in Human Performance and Wellness.

In 2014, our family relocated to Joplin to be closer to our family and I continued teaching and coaching in the Joplin School District. I currently teach physical education and serve as the assistant boys basketball coach at Joplin High School and also serve as the Joplin Middle School cross country coach.

Through my career as a teacher and coach, I have developed a passion for helping others achieve their goals. For that reason, I have worked to receive certifications from NASM-CPT, Precision Nutrition Level 1, IronMan and Revo2lution Running.

My family is my biggest motivator in all that I do. My wife, Kayla, is currently a pediatric physical therapist for the Joplin School District. We have two children, Emery (age 8) and Cale (age 5). Our family enjoys an active lifestyle, loving to run, cycle, swim, hike and be outdoors together.