Personally, I think weight training is important, because it enables a person to retain some muscle, even build muscle through the aging process as muscle tissue goes on a decline. It strengthens bones, keeps the body nimble, and burns fat.
Out of all the types of athletes I see, the women who weight train look the best. Their bodies are "tighter", more toned and they look youthful. Some older endurance athletes I see look emaciated and much older than they really are (from sun, and long distance running, etc, catabolizes muscle).
Surly there is a balance in the middle.
In terms of your former program, I do not agree with "training to failure" and do not necessarily agree with high reps all the time. I like to stay around 8-12 reps because that does build muscle and it doesn't wear me out, or sabatoge other training.
In your case, I think you are already getting enough repetition in your tri training; you do not need to go to failure. In addition to that, I think 6 reps with heavy weight, to 10 reps with moderately heavy weight, would be all you need to achieve strength, develop or maintain muscle tissue, and look/feel good (in consideration of your tri training). Keep your time between sets "short" like 30 seconds and you will get results.
As for yoga, I think yoga is very good. It does build strength and lengthens out tissues, which so many triathletes would benefit from. A good question for you is: what is your limiter? You could use weights and/or yoga to address those limiters. (For example, a limiter for me is tight body. So, yoga enables me to lengthen out, which in turn enables me to run and move better.)
Overall, I feel very good with weights in my own training, particularly training with them during this time of year. I look a lot better, have better posture and feel strong. Yoga is what keeps me from "breaking", i do a little of that everyday. A little bit of both of these things goes a long way, in my opinion.
In your situation, i encourage you to think about your limiter. What would help you most?
Also, in race season, I’m more inclined to tell you to focus on yoga, and off season, weights AND yoga (just in smaller bits of each).
Hope this helps,
Kitty
Out of all the types of athletes I see, the women who weight train look the best. Their bodies are "tighter", more toned and they look youthful. Some older endurance athletes I see look emaciated and much older than they really are (from sun, and long distance running, etc, catabolizes muscle).
Surly there is a balance in the middle.
In terms of your former program, I do not agree with "training to failure" and do not necessarily agree with high reps all the time. I like to stay around 8-12 reps because that does build muscle and it doesn't wear me out, or sabatoge other training.
In your case, I think you are already getting enough repetition in your tri training; you do not need to go to failure. In addition to that, I think 6 reps with heavy weight, to 10 reps with moderately heavy weight, would be all you need to achieve strength, develop or maintain muscle tissue, and look/feel good (in consideration of your tri training). Keep your time between sets "short" like 30 seconds and you will get results.
As for yoga, I think yoga is very good. It does build strength and lengthens out tissues, which so many triathletes would benefit from. A good question for you is: what is your limiter? You could use weights and/or yoga to address those limiters. (For example, a limiter for me is tight body. So, yoga enables me to lengthen out, which in turn enables me to run and move better.)
Overall, I feel very good with weights in my own training, particularly training with them during this time of year. I look a lot better, have better posture and feel strong. Yoga is what keeps me from "breaking", i do a little of that everyday. A little bit of both of these things goes a long way, in my opinion.
In your situation, i encourage you to think about your limiter. What would help you most?
Also, in race season, I’m more inclined to tell you to focus on yoga, and off season, weights AND yoga (just in smaller bits of each).
Hope this helps,
Kitty