What Is Hybrid Training?

Hybrid training is the practice of developing multiple physical characteristics simultaneously, most notably strength and cardiovascular abilities. Hybrid training is also known as concurrent training, as it involves training multiple physical attributes at the same time.

What Is Strength?

Strength is the ability of the body (specifically the muscles) to generate high levels of force through various movement patterns, such as the squat.

What Is Cardiovascular Ability?

Cardiovascular ability refers to the efficiency of the cardiovascular system (heart, lungs, and muscles) in delivering and utilising oxygen to produce work. Cardiovascular ability is best measured through a VO2 max test, which assesses the maximum amount of oxygen the body can consume in one minute.

What Events Can Be Considered Hybrid?

The decathlon is one of the original hybrid events, but CrossFit sparked a widespread interest in this style of training. More recently, a new sport, Hyrox, has emerged as another example of a hybrid event. Any event that requires both strength and endurance simultaneously can be classified as a hybrid event.

The Benefits of Hybrid Training

Physical Health

Training for physical health inherently involves hybrid training, as optimal health requires both a well-developed cardiovascular system and strength. This means that training for sports like CrossFit and Hyrox not only prepares athletes for competition but also enhances overall physical well-being.

Variation and Novelty

One of the greatest advantages of hybrid training is its variety. One day, you might be performing heavy deadlifts, and the next, you could be going on a long bike ride. This constant variation keeps training engaging and allows individuals to train with a diverse range of people and in different athletic environments.

The Drawbacks of Hybrid Training

Lack of Specialisation

Specialisation leads to extraordinary performances and elite athletes. The fluidity of a professional marathon runner and the precision of a professional weightlifter are truly remarkable. Humans have an incredible ability to specialise, transforming their bodies into highly efficient machines tailored for specific tasks.

When engaging in hybrid training, we sacrifice specialisation. While we can still achieve a high level of proficiency in our chosen activities, we will never reach the same level of mastery as specialists in their respective fields.

Designing a Hybrid Training Program

I have previously written extensively about hybrid training, so for a more in-depth look, you may want to read this article. When designing a hybrid training program, it is crucial to establish specific goals.

For example, if your goal is to compete in CrossFit, your training regimen will differ significantly from someone preparing for a Hyrox event. Although both require the development of VO2 max and strength, they are distinct sports with unique demands.

The beauty of hybrid training lies in its flexibility—you can design your own ideal training approach. Perhaps you want to be a strong marathon runner or a powerlifter who excels in long-distance cycling. Tailoring a training plan to align with your specific goals makes hybrid training an incredibly rewarding endeavour.