There are a number of triathlon training programs, all of which are exceptionally rigorous. Cardiovascular regimens are an important part of training for a triathlon, as the competition includes three cardiovascular activities over an extended period of time and distance. These three activities, as many are aware, are usually cycling, swimming, and distance running. There are two important aspects of triathlon training that must not be forgotten. Firstly, triathlon training workouts should include both cardiovascular activity to condition your body, but they should also include a strength training aspect. Weight lifting or other strength training activities allow your body to perform more work without expending more energy, a characteristic that will complement the cardiovascular training that you are also performing.
The second important facet of triathlon training is that you must train for all aspects of the competition. Even if you are already in good shape or believe that you can make it without doing intensive training, training will decrease your risk of being injured. As with any sport or athletic competition, triathlons present a number of physical risks to your health, and you do not want to risk a pulled muscle, sprained joint, or other injury that can affect your ability to finish the race and possibly to perform daily tasks.
Triathlon training often includes a schedule each week that increases the intensity of one or more portions with each successive period. Running, cycling, and swim training for triathlons are all important parts of the process, as they acclimate you to conditions similar to those that you will be experiencing during the race and increase your endurance for each portion. The repetitive motions of these activities may strain your muscles and joints, so it is a good idea to stretch before and after your workout. Some people like to incorporate other types of exercise that they find more fulfilling but present similar cardiovascular and muscular training as traditional triathlon training does.
