Is the interference effect a myth?
New Progress Theory Podcast episode with Dr Tom Jones
Can strength and endurance training truly coexist—or are they undermining each other?
In this episode of The Progress Theory, I am joined by physiologist and sports scientist Dr Tom Jones (@Thomas_W_Jones) from Northumbria University to investigate the science and strategy behind concurrent training and the controversial interference effect.
Drawing from research in elite football, winter sports, and molecular physiology, Dr Jones explains how the volume, intensity, and sequencing of endurance and resistance sessions can either boost or blunt performance outcomes.
Whether you’re a coach building mesocycles, an athlete juggling mixed goals, or a sports scientist exploring molecular signalling like AMPK and mTOR—this episode offers crucial insight into how to train smarter, not just harder.
In this episode, we explore:
⚖️ What the interference effect really is—and when it matters
⚡ How aerobic training can limit strength and hypertrophy
📊 What the science says about mTOR, AMPK, and molecular signalling
🧠 Why technical sessions are often misjudged in training load
📅 How to structure training weeks for minimal conflict and maximal adaptation
Episode breakdown:
03:51 Sports Research Journey Across Nations
08:46 Concurrent Training in Football
10:49 “It Depends” – A Key Phrase in Training Science
13:00 How Aerobic Volume Limits Strength Gains
16:12 Defining the Interference Effect
19:56 Molecular Pathways: mTOR vs AMPK
25:53 Diet Control in Endurance Strength Studies
28:23 Programming Around Aerobic Interference
33:04 Fatigue Management in Weekly Training
35:58 Common Mistakes in Technical + Physical Sessions
38:51 Summary of Concurrent Training Strategies
Make sure you check out all our other episode for great content on human performance. More big episodes coming!!!
Keep embracing creativity
Dr Phil Price
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