Triathlon training entails a specific workout plan with separate days designated for swimming, cycling and running. Adding strength workouts such as P90X, however, can complement the traditional triathlon training program by building strength, stamina and core stability. By building strength and core stability with P90X, you can improve your overall triathlon performance while decreasing your potential for overtraining and injuries.
Foundation
P90X serves as a foundational workout during the off-season training phase for a triathlon. Due to the intensity of the P90X workouts, start the workout program six to nine months before the race or racing season. Ideally, start the P90X workouts after you fully recover from the final race of the previous season. This allows you to build the strength and stability necessary to begin the following year's swimming, cycling and running workouts before the season. Ultimately, this reduces the potential for overtraining and prepares the body for the physical demands of the specific triathlon training.
Workouts
The P90X workouts are divided by body parts and muscle groups such as legs and back, abs, back and biceps. As a triathlete, you can select specific workouts based on your individual requirements and weaknesses. For example, if you want to improve lower body strength, perform an additional legs and back workout every other week. On the other hand, you may want to replace the legs workout if you feel fatigued following a swimming, cycling or running workout.
Sample Schedule
A sample workout schedule for using P90X with your triathlon training is divided into four phases over a 12-week time frame. Each week has a specific focus for the overall goal of the workout program. For example, a standard week starts with two P90X workouts on the first two days followed by an easy ride, run or swim and another two days of P90X workouts. The last two days are spent with a long, slow distance ride, run or swim and a rest day or X Stretch P90X workout.
Caution
The most important consideration for incorporating P90X into your triathlon training is overtraining. Triathletes have a natural tendency to become overtrained with the amount of workouts dedicated to each component of the event. Train smart by primarily using P90X during the off-season to build strength and stability and always listen to your body to take extra rest days as necessary.
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