Strength Training in Long-Distance Triathletes: Barriers and Characteristics

Luckin, KM, Badenhorst, CE, Cripps, AJ, Landers, GJ, Merrells, RJ, Bulsara, MK, and Hoyne, GF. Strength training in long-distance triathletes: Barriers and characteristics. J Strength Cond Res 35(2): 495-502, 2021-The purpose of this investigation was to identify perceived and physical barriers toward the completion of concurrent strength training and endurance training in long-distance triathletes. Three hundred ninety long-distance triathletes (224 women, 166 men; age [y]: 39 ± 10) completed a 68-question self-administered, semiquantitative survey that assessed endurance and strength training characteristics, experience in triathlon, and perceived barriers regarding the completion of strength training. Mean training hours per week was 14.92 ± 5.25, with 54.6% reporting participation in strength training. Heavy strength training was the most commonly reported (39.4%), with significantly more men completing this form of strength training (p < 0.001). Results from subjects who did not complete strength training indicated that perceived time constraints (53.1%) in addition to lack of knowledge on exercise progression and form (52.5%) are prominent perceived barriers to strength training completion. Identification of the barriers perceived by long-distance triathletes that prevent them from completing concurrent strength training and endurance training may be useful for coaches, athletes, and sports scientists who seek to incorporate strength training for injury prevention and performance improvement.