Rick has been strength training for 2 years and has greatly improved his body composition & muscular strength. However, he struggles to run for more than 2 minutes at a time. What is the best explanation for this?

• A. All the strength training has likely made him too heavy to be able to run for longer.
• B. The strength training has led to excessive strain on his cardiovascular system.
• C. He hasn’t done enough cardiorespiratory training, which would improve lung capacity & endurance.
• D. He must have only trained upper body, leading to an imbalance where his legs aren’t strong enough to run.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the context: Rick has been strength training for 2 years, which has improved his body composition and muscular strength. However, he struggles to run for more than 2 minutes, indicating a limitation in his endurance or cardiorespiratory fitness.
2. Analyze the options: The first option suggests that strength training has made him too heavy to run longer. While increased muscle mass can add weight, this alone does not explain poor endurance, as endurance is primarily related to cardiovascular and respiratory efficiency.
3. Evaluate the second option: It claims that strength training has caused excessive strain on his cardiovascular system. However, strength training typically improves cardiovascular health to some extent, and this explanation does not directly address his lack of endurance.
4. Consider the correct answer: The third option states that Rick hasn’t done enough cardiorespiratory training, which would improve lung capacity and endurance. This aligns with the principle that endurance activities like running require specific training to enhance the efficiency of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems.
5. Review the fourth option: It suggests that Rick only trained his upper body, leading to weak legs. However, strength training generally involves both upper and lower body exercises, and his struggle to run is more likely due to a lack of endurance training rather than leg strength.