Feel like you’re sacrificing stamina for strength? Here’s how to work out so you can have both

woman training with barbell

Credit: Getty

Strong Women


Feel like you’re sacrificing stamina for strength? Here’s how to work out so you can have both

By Anna Bartter

Updated 2 years ago

4 min read

Ever felt as though you’re built for either strength or stamina? You can be both, as Anna Bartter discovers.

It’s only been three years since I completed the Brighton marathon, but ask me to run one now, and I’d really struggle. While in many ways I am fitter and faster now than ever, I seem to have lost my stamina and endurance, which is frustrating. Being able to run faster is all very well, but having to stop every few miles feels counterproductive.

We asked the experts if stamina and strength are mutually exclusive, or is it truly possible to have it all. 

A weekly dose of expert-backed tips on everything from gut health to running, plus receive our 8-week beginner’s guide to strength training.

By signing up you agree to occasionally receive offers and promotions from Stylist. Newsletters may contain online ads and content funded by carefully selected partners. Don’t worry, we’ll never share or sell your data. You can opt-out at any time. For more information read Stylist’s Privacy Policy

Thank you!

You’re now subscribed to all our newsletters. You can manage your subscriptions at any time from an email or from a MyStylist account.

Already a subscriber? Sign In

Get unlimited digital access from £2.99/month

Cancel online anytime