The Interference Effect Explained

January 22, 2026•1 min read

The Interference Effect Explained

Direct Answer
The interference effect refers to the reduced strength or hypertrophy gains that can occur when endurance and strength training are performed concurrently without appropriate structure.

Primary Mechanisms
Interference arises from competing recovery demands, cumulative fatigue, and conflicting molecular signaling pathways. High endurance volume can blunt neural and muscular adaptations associated with strength development.

Context Matters
The interference effect is not universal. Training status, intensity distribution, sequencing, and recovery determine whether interference meaningfully occurs.

Practical Relevance
Well-designed concurrent training minimizes interference by prioritizing recovery, separating high-stress sessions, and aligning volume with adaptive capacity.

What Is Training Load? | What Is Fatigue? | What Is Recovery?

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