March 2014 PMID 23752040

Does polarized training improve performance in recreational runners?

Iker Muñoz, Stephen Seiler, Javier Bautista, Javier España, Eneko Larumbe, Jonathan Esteve-Lanao

Mentions

65
Peak: 11 in Jun 2022
across 5 sources since May 2019

Extended reach

654,281
potential audience

Total likes

645

Video views

71,010

Mentions per month

May 2019 – Sep 2025

Where it's discussed

  • X / Twitter49 posts
  • News8 articles
  • Facebook3 posts
  • Blogs3 articles
  • YouTube2 videos

AI synopsis

What people are saying

The collective discussions reflect a generally cautious stance toward polarized training, citing evidence that it offers minimal benefit for recreational runners and emphasizing the importance of individual factors like genetics and training load. The tone varies from analytical to dismissive, with several posts referencing the study’s findings to question the value of increased training intensity and distribution, contributing to a balanced but skeptical perception of the research's implications.

AgreementModerate agreement

Most discussions agree that polarized training offers limited or no additional benefit for recreational runners, as seen in comments emphasizing the 'ZERO benefit' and referencing the study's findings.

InterestHigh interest

Posts demonstrate high interest by referencing specific studies, training strategies, and implications for recreational athletes, indicating active engagement with the topic.

EngagementModerate engagement

Discussion participants analyze methods, speculate on individual factors, and question training effectiveness, showing moderate depth in their engagement with the research.

ImpactModerate impact

The discussions could influence training approaches for recreational runners by challenging assumptions about increased intensity, though the overall impact remains moderate as many comments reflect opinions rather than groundbreaking insights.

Abstract in brief

  • The study compared polarized endurance training (mainly low and high intensity) with moderate high-intensity training in recreational runners over 10 weeks, measuring their 10K race times before and after the program.
  • Both groups improved their race times significantly, but there was no overall significant difference between the two training methods; however, a subset of runners doing more polarized training showed greater improvements.
  • The findings suggest that polarized training might lead to better performance gains in recreational runners, but more research is needed to confirm these effects.]

Top posts

Most liked on X and Bluesky
Alan Couzens
@Alan_Couzens · X

Every time limited runner should read this paper... https://t.co/N5zPkhVpi8 ZERO benefit to spending 30% more time above VT1 for runners training ~4 hours per week. Harder is not "worth more". https://t.co/R98kGeNEW6

Apr 26, 2022 · 172 likes · 20 shares · 55,326 followers View post →
Munir
@k_munir84 · X

2 kaedah latihan dilakukan oleh pelari rekreasi: ➡️Polarized (~77% Easy) ➡️Non-polarized (~46% Easy) Perbandingan improvement 10km setelah 10 minggu:

Jun 16, 2022 · 26 likes · 7 shares · 6,875 followers View post →
David Abbott
@runliftrunlift · X

@maleke_r Good question sir! How long is going to depend on a variety of individual factors. Genetics, athletic background, training load, etc. I advocate for 3 months dedicated to base training. This might not get you to your goal but you should see significant https://t.co/ZbQxB3M2p8

Mar 26, 2023 · 7 likes · 3 shares · 17,081 followers View post →
Daniel Rowland
@dwrowland · X

This is an older study (2012) that tested either a polarized or a between-thresholds training intervention on recreational runners. [I've seen the original polarized training work, but don't recall seeing this study]: https://t.co/ahBwDEodCG (1 of 3) #210107

Jan 7, 2021 · 4 likes · 6,502 followers View post →
Alan Couzens
@Alan_Couzens · X

@TeamWurtele An interesting paper here around that very question.. https://t.co/zSJnDlirqk

Sep 28, 2021 · 3 likes · 55,326 followers View post →
Alan Couzens
@Alan_Couzens · X

@chimpchops27 @SimpliFaster He averaged 21hrs per week in the last year. Could a 10hr per week athlete expect a VO2max of 70 with the same distribution? No. Is a more intense training distribution better for a low volume athlete? No. https://t.co/a1527Td1KG

May 30, 2019 · 2 likes · 55,326 followers View post →

All mentions

Andy Rowell
@AndyRowell · X

@ARStager Polarized training (lots of slow and a little fast) https://t.co/jP5L96FfRr

Sep 3, 2024 · 3,744 followers View post →
Thorsten Mauch
@MauchThorsten · X

@altini_marco What I made was: long run (~2h), intervals(< 1h) and two time fartlek(~1). Worked but for me (without control body), but evidence points in a differiert direction. https://t.co/ulH9122J5C

Jul 17, 2023 · 6 followers View post →
Daniel Ching
@danielchingwq · X

RT @Alan_Couzens: Every time limited runner should read this paper... https://t.co/N5zPkhVpi8 ZERO benefit to spending 30% more time abov…

May 15, 2023 · 20 shares · 607 followers View post →
mafiqjay
@captionburaq · X

RT @Alan_Couzens: Every time limited runner should read this paper... https://t.co/N5zPkhVpi8 ZERO benefit to spending 30% more time abov…

May 14, 2023 · 20 shares · 42 followers View post →
Alan Couzens
@Alan_Couzens · X

RT @Alan_Couzens: Every time limited runner should read this paper... https://t.co/N5zPkhVpi8 ZERO benefit to spending 30% more time abov…

May 14, 2023 · 20 shares · 55,326 followers View post →
Vitas Gerulaitis
@VGerulaitis · X

RT @runliftrunlift: @maleke_r Good question sir! How long is going to depend on a variety of individual factors. Genetics, athletic backgro…

Apr 1, 2023 · 3 shares · 154 followers View post →
Trainer Day
@TrainerDayCom · X

RT @Alan_Couzens: Every time limited runner should read this paper... https://t.co/N5zPkhVpi8 ZERO benefit to spending 30% more time abov…

Mar 28, 2023 · 20 shares · 193 followers View post →
Tout pour ma santé
@ToutpourmaSante · X

@pierrepaquette_ https://t.co/71GIO9rFhF

Mar 27, 2023 · 501 followers View post →
MJR
@ManojRawat_ · X

RT @runliftrunlift: @maleke_r Good question sir! How long is going to depend on a variety of individual factors. Genetics, athletic backgro…

Mar 27, 2023 · 3 shares · 530 followers View post →
Carlos Tames
@carlostamesm · X

RT @Alan_Couzens: Every time limited runner should read this paper... https://t.co/N5zPkhVpi8 ZERO benefit to spending 30% more time abov…

Mar 27, 2023 · 20 shares · 1,470 followers View post →
Ben Maluleke
@BenMaluleke300 · X

RT @runliftrunlift: @maleke_r Good question sir! How long is going to depend on a variety of individual factors. Genetics, athletic backgro…

Mar 27, 2023 · 3 shares · 12,212 followers View post →
David Abbott
@runliftrunlift · X

@maleke_r Good question sir! How long is going to depend on a variety of individual factors. Genetics, athletic background, training load, etc. I advocate for 3 months dedicated to base training. This might not get you to your goal but you should see significant https://t.co/ZbQxB3M2p8

Mar 26, 2023 · 7 likes · 3 shares · 17,081 followers View post →
Kevin Hill
@TheRealKevHill · X

RT @Alan_Couzens: Every time limited runner should read this paper... https://t.co/N5zPkhVpi8 ZERO benefit to spending 30% more time abov…

Mar 26, 2023 · 20 shares · 43 followers View post →
Khalid
@khalid_ibn1 · X

RT @Alan_Couzens: Every time limited runner should read this paper... https://t.co/N5zPkhVpi8 ZERO benefit to spending 30% more time abov…

Mar 26, 2023 · 20 shares · 4 followers View post →
Ulterior
@boleroo · X

RT @Alan_Couzens: Every time limited runner should read this paper... https://t.co/N5zPkhVpi8 ZERO benefit to spending 30% more time abov…

Mar 26, 2023 · 20 shares · 995 followers View post →
Alejandro Zoccola
@zoccosunlight · X

RT @Alan_Couzens: Every time limited runner should read this paper... https://t.co/N5zPkhVpi8 ZERO benefit to spending 30% more time abov…

Mar 25, 2023 · 20 shares · 236 followers View post →
Kei
@KeiBasar · X

RT @Alan_Couzens: Every time limited runner should read this paper... https://t.co/N5zPkhVpi8 ZERO benefit to spending 30% more time abov…

Mar 19, 2023 · 20 shares · 2,028 followers View post →
Ryan J Faer, CSCS
@ryanjfaer · X

A 2014

Jan 16, 2023 · 2,199 followers View post →
عبد القوى
@qawiy43 · X

RT @k_munir84: 2 kaedah latihan dilakukan oleh pelari rekreasi: ➡️Polarized (~77% Easy) ➡️Non-polarized (~46% Easy) Perbandingan improvem…

Jun 18, 2022 · 7 shares · 79 followers View post →
Z
@ziqdean · X

RT @k_munir84: 2 kaedah latihan dilakukan oleh pelari rekreasi: ➡️Polarized (~77% Easy) ➡️Non-polarized (~46% Easy) Perbandingan improvem…

Jun 18, 2022 · 7 shares · 369 followers View post →
محمدزيم
@MohdJamie · X

RT @k_munir84: 2 kaedah latihan dilakukan oleh pelari rekreasi: ➡️Polarized (~77% Easy) ➡️Non-polarized (~46% Easy) Perbandingan improvem…

Jun 18, 2022 · 7 shares · 1,021 followers View post →
Ask Runners @
@Twt_Jogging · X

RT @k_munir84: 2 kaedah latihan dilakukan oleh pelari rekreasi: ➡️Polarized (~77% Easy) ➡️Non-polarized (~46% Easy) Perbandingan improvem…

Jun 18, 2022 · 7 shares · 34,771 followers View post →
twtjogging
@twtjogging · X

RT @k_munir84: 2 kaedah latihan dilakukan oleh pelari rekreasi: ➡️Polarized (~77% Easy) ➡️Non-polarized (~46% Easy) Perbandingan improvem…

Jun 18, 2022 · 7 shares · 25,802 followers View post →
4iman.4kim
@4iman4kim · X

RT @k_munir84: 2 kaedah latihan dilakukan oleh pelari rekreasi: ➡️Polarized (~77% Easy) ➡️Non-polarized (~46% Easy) Perbandingan improvem…

Jun 16, 2022 · 7 shares · 13 followers View post →
Faiz Kam | Stand with
@FaizKam · X

RT @k_munir84: 2 kaedah latihan dilakukan oleh pelari rekreasi: ➡️Polarized (~77% Easy) ➡️Non-polarized (~46% Easy) Perbandingan improvem…

Jun 16, 2022 · 7 shares · 137 followers View post →
Munir
@k_munir84 · X

2 kaedah latihan dilakukan oleh pelari rekreasi: ➡️Polarized (~77% Easy) ➡️Non-polarized (~46% Easy) Perbandingan improvement 10km setelah 10 minggu:

Jun 16, 2022 · 26 likes · 7 shares · 6,875 followers View post →
✨ Georges Gay ✨
@JetSetGeorges · X

@CyclingCoeliac @AlpineCols Not quite. https://t.co/UAsuoL7rZL « ZERO benefit to spending 30% more time above VT1 for runners training ~4 hours per week. » Harder is not "worth more".

Jun 15, 2022 · 1 like · 462 followers View post →
Kyle - The Travel Runner
@travelrunner_ · X

RT @Alan_Couzens: Every time limited runner should read this paper... https://t.co/N5zPkhVpi8 ZERO benefit to spending 30% more time abov…

Jun 14, 2022 · 20 shares · 80 followers View post →
Drew_Running(A4812493)
@Dualranger · X

RT @Alan_Couzens: Every time limited runner should read this paper... https://t.co/N5zPkhVpi8 ZERO benefit to spending 30% more time abov…

Jun 14, 2022 · 20 shares · 327 followers View post →
Kitungat
@b7076RL · X

RT @Alan_Couzens: Every time limited runner should read this paper... https://t.co/N5zPkhVpi8 ZERO benefit to spending 30% more time abov…

Apr 28, 2022 · 20 shares · 13 followers View post →
Boskovic Ernest
@BoskovicErnest · X

https://t.co/xQvcBYySof It seems it does

Apr 28, 2022 · 48 followers View post →
SummitCycleCoaching
@SummitCoaching1 · X

RT @Alan_Couzens: Every time limited runner should read this paper... https://t.co/N5zPkhVpi8 ZERO benefit to spending 30% more time abov…

Apr 27, 2022 · 20 shares · 54 followers View post →
Rob Veer
@RobVeer · X

RT @Alan_Couzens: Every time limited runner should read this paper... https://t.co/N5zPkhVpi8 ZERO benefit to spending 30% more time abov…

Apr 27, 2022 · 20 shares · 1,421 followers View post →
plustriathlon
@plustriathlon · X

RT @Alan_Couzens: Every time limited runner should read this paper... https://t.co/N5zPkhVpi8 ZERO benefit to spending 30% more time abov…

Apr 27, 2022 · 20 shares · 45 followers View post →
Fit For Golf - Mike Carroll
@Fit_For_Golf · X

RT @Alan_Couzens: Every time limited runner should read this paper... https://t.co/N5zPkhVpi8 ZERO benefit to spending 30% more time abov…

Apr 26, 2022 · 20 shares · 105,947 followers View post →
Jacob Burgamy
@JBurgamy800 · X

RT @Alan_Couzens: Every time limited runner should read this paper... https://t.co/N5zPkhVpi8 ZERO benefit to spending 30% more time abov…

Apr 26, 2022 · 20 shares · 352 followers View post →
mikiaandy
@componentesh · X

RT @Alan_Couzens: Every time limited runner should read this paper... https://t.co/N5zPkhVpi8 ZERO benefit to spending 30% more time abov…

Apr 26, 2022 · 20 shares · 183 followers View post →
Alan Couzens
@Alan_Couzens · X

Every time limited runner should read this paper... https://t.co/N5zPkhVpi8 ZERO benefit to spending 30% more time above VT1 for runners training ~4 hours per week. Harder is not "worth more". https://t.co/R98kGeNEW6

Apr 26, 2022 · 172 likes · 20 shares · 55,326 followers View post →
Arturo Casado Alda
@ArturoCasadoAld · X

@triluarca @Kakecg Hay un par de estudios sobre este tema: https://t.co/3hUluFnI2k https://t.co/ZajAKUE6Yj

Jan 10, 2022 · 2 likes · 8,526 followers View post →
Alan Couzens
@Alan_Couzens · X

@TeamWurtele An interesting paper here around that very question.. https://t.co/zSJnDlirqk

Sep 28, 2021 · 3 likes · 55,326 followers View post →
Arturo Casado Alda
@ArturoCasadoAld · X

@triluarca El nivel de rendimiento no es una variable que necesariamiente deba influir en la selección de distribuciones de intensidad de entrenamiento (DIT). Como ejemplo de ello está este artículo científico de @iker_munoz_ et al. Sí influye en el volumen. https://t.co/ZajAKUE6Yj

Aug 10, 2021 · 2 likes · 8,526 followers View post →
Arun Samuel Jaykumar
@arun_jaykumar · X

https://t.co/80krjzXiYW

Feb 3, 2021 · 1 like · 376 followers View post →
Daniel Rowland
@dwrowland · X

This is an older study (2012) that tested either a polarized or a between-thresholds training intervention on recreational runners. [I've seen the original polarized training work, but don't recall seeing this study]: https://t.co/ahBwDEodCG (1 of 3) #210107

Jan 7, 2021 · 4 likes · 6,502 followers View post →
Alan Couzens
@Alan_Couzens · X

@aaronbmd @jamesbu63376536 @Briandbegley @conormcgloin @maximumcharacte @doctorinigo I honestly wouldn't change the intensity. In this study they trained only slightly more (3.5-4hrs/wk) and there was zero benefit from adding intensity to the program. Also, at that volume, I think you're training more for general health. https://t.co/N5zPkhVpi8

Dec 29, 2020 · 1 like · 55,326 followers View post →
Alan Couzens
@Alan_Couzens · X

@maximumcharacte @doctorinigo Always a good one to come back to when the qu of increasing the intensity to "make up for" missing volume comes up.... https://t.co/N5zPkhDOqA

Dec 29, 2020 · 2 likes · 55,326 followers View post →
Benoit Capostagno
@BCapostagno · X

@KerryMcGawley there is some research that suggests that amateur/recreational athletes would also benefit from a polarised training model, including; https://t.co/ql4hNxTxAY https://t.co/xQ4NpaL64t https://t.co/Hn1B7xHH3s

Mar 9, 2020 · 1,102 followers View post →
Rich Blagrove
@rich_blagrove · X

@alisdavidson @TMR_Coaching @UKRunChat @361europe Most of the evidence for polarised (80/20) training is in well-trained endurance runners eg https://t.co/UzDtzobChd There is some evidence showing it might be the best approach in recreational runners too https://t.co/dzvmEDNvxw https://t.co/kedjXlc2z9

Nov 10, 2019 · 5,259 followers View post →
Homosapiens
@Homosapiens016 · X

Polarizar los entrenamientos en corredores populares conduce a mejoras en el rendimiento. Does polarized training improve performance in recreational runners? - PubMed - NCBI https://t.co/xln6jOvCxO

Jul 8, 2019 · 45 followers View post →
Alan Couzens
@Alan_Couzens · X

@chimpchops27 @SimpliFaster He averaged 21hrs per week in the last year. Could a 10hr per week athlete expect a VO2max of 70 with the same distribution? No. Is a more intense training distribution better for a low volume athlete? No. https://t.co/a1527Td1KG

May 30, 2019 · 2 likes · 55,326 followers View post →