Follow up: I’ve used both extensively both as an athlete and coach Have run into far more injuries and lackluster sessions w athletes that lift prior to sprint In situations that lifting 1st was ok, we ⬇️ Vol substantially… sacrificing f/ one or both sessions to make it work

I’m not saying lifting first is always bad… It’s to say that there needs to be a risk vs benefit analysis when accounting for the potential fatigue accrued f/ a solid lifting session & how that may factor into the sprint session that follows in terms of health & performance

@BrendanThompsn I agree with the premise of the tweet. With that said - When you have early morning training sessions, having high-quality sprint sessions at 6-7:00am can be a crap shoot. Lifting beforehand can prime the body to have better performance in the sprint session, in my experience.

@JoeyBergles I appreciate your input & agree When lifting first, I’ve generally had to sacrifice one for the other. When sprinting first, I’ve been able to maximize sprint & lift I try not to sprint them that early unless it’s a hill, sled, BulletBelt, or short accel day. Body isn’t awake

@BrendanThompsn Thoughts on AM lift with PM sprint session?

@CoachDShack I think if it must be done, this is the way. I think I was reading somewhere that ideally there are 8-9 hours between a morning lift and a PM speed session. Will see if I can find the source on that.

@BrendanThompsn Tried the lift before sprint one year. Never again.

@CoachDJBrock I’ve learned to avoid as well, when I can help it.

@BrendanThompsn When we sprint in competition are our athletes always fresh?

@OzarkStrength No, that goes without saying. However, if I know the most important workout of the week is Wednesday, I’m not going to intentionally roll the dice on overshooting in the weight room beforehand and cross my fingers for good outcomes after the fact though.

@BrendanThompsn Don’t agree. Really depends on the facilities and structure. Weights first may be the only option. Also what about potentiation? And with lower levels, untrained or youth athletes I doubt it makes any difference at all. Elite? Then ya, it probably matters

@movementcoachkm Reality is, many high schoolers are: - training for inseason sport - go to several skills trainers - lift with school & solo - training for club sport Sprinting around all of that is delicate. They’re not elite, but training load is extremely high. Planning matters a lot.

@BrendanThompsn Question: is it better to just not lift if you can only lift before? I coach girls, and our HS has a small weight room. There are 75 boys on the team, there is baseball, now boys volleyball, and spring football. We are trying to find a time, but, those logistics are tough.

@TFXCSimms Are you lifting directly before? Or AM lift then PM sprint? If I had no other choice, I’d keep volume low, weight moderate, intensity high, and rest high.

@BrendanThompsn Agree but in the setting I work in we often have no choice but to do it after. It’s that or nothing.

@coach_mel_redd I think many are in similar situations where logistically, they can’t lift any other time. Gotta do what you gotta do! It can definitely be done, it’s just not ideal in my opinion

@BrendanThompsn That’s a no brainer. Explosive, high intensity bouts of effort like sprints have no other place in a session other than at the start. Otherwise you’re sacrificing performance improvements in the sport, for chasing other stimuli that are also impaired if you sprint after lifting!!

@BrendanThompsn I was taught a long…long time ago, that you go from Heavy to Light Slow to Fast That principle has stuck with me.

@BrendanThompsn In theory yes, however there are many times when this isn’t an option is various settings due to facility/time constraints. Practical > ideal and we have to empower coaches with things that work in their situation. Amiright @CoachDMullins

@BrendanThompsn I think many programs may be forced to lift in the morning do to access to weight room. If it’s properly done it could be a primer if it matches what will be done on the track. Yet that can only happen with great collaboration between track coach & strength coach.