AthleanX Max Shred

I’ve been a fan of AthleanX programs for a long time and have successfully run a number of them over the years in conjunction with ultra prep.  I tend to pick programs that have a mix of strength and conditioning training in them and will typically replace the general conditioning workouts with running, rucking, or hiking sessions as they are more sport specific. I’ve also been able to run them in the past with a few two-a-days mixed in here and there and still managed to recover well. 

As such, I think an AthleanX program will be more suitable for me to run in conjunction with a summer full of exploration.  I still want to prioritize building my aerobic base, but will hold off on running another MTI program until I can give it the attention and focus required to perform well in the workouts and recover well from them.

The AthleanX program I have chosen to run is Max Shred.  It’s a conditioning centric program that uses circuit training for the strength days mixed with a couple of conditioning workouts each week.  While not everyone benefits from the same exercise techniques to the same extent, circuit training is something that my body traditionally responds really well to. The strength circuits when run with minimal rest also turn out to be quite the cardio workout and will contribute to my aerobic and, probably even more so, anaerobic endurance.  I’m nearing the end of the first month of the program and have seen definite work capacity and endurance improvements.  I’m also finding myself starting to lean out a little more which will also help with my running speed.  Really enjoying the program and looking forward to seeing the further improvements I can make as the difficulty scales up in months 2 and 3.