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It has been known since 1980 with the pioneering research of Hickson that concurrently training for strength and endurance could compromise strength adaptations, as compared with training for strength alone. However, research comparing concurrent training to strength training alone has produced mixed results. Some studies say concurrent training interferes with strength, some say strength is not affected.

The reason for the discrepancy is because whether there’s any interference and if so, how much, depends on so many different variables. These include the type, frequency, volume or intensity of training, the way strength and endurance training are integrated (same day or alternate days and which exercise mode is done first), nutritional status (deficit or surplus), age, recovery ability and experience level (beginner versus advanced).

The general consensus is that excessive endurance training interferes with strength and especially power. However, several studies show that moderate amounts of aerobic training do not interfere with muscle size, as long as you don’t over do it. In fact, contrary to what the anti-cardio establishment says, there may be a synergy between strength training and cardio training, provided certain guidelines are followed.

Tom Venuto is author of “Burn The Fat, Feed, the Muscle” and is also the creator of the Burn the Fat Inner Circle.

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