5 benefits of incorporating strength training into your routine
Your time in the gym can also play an important role in keeping you healthy (in mind and body) and injury-free. Here are some of the performance benefits that strength training offers for both elite and amateur athletes.
Balancing the body. Sometimes, the goal of strength-based exercises has more to do with improving overall mobility and stability rather than solely building strength. When workout plans incorporate drills specific to the athlete’s sport, and even position, the work complements the athlete’s skill set. Customized training teaches athletes how to properly position their bodies so they can safely perform key movements of their sport with power and effectiveness. Keeping this balance equips athletes with the potential to be better players and protects them from potential injuries.
Bone density. Strength training has shown to be a helpful component in developing healthier bones. Over time, more stress is placed on the body in a relatively controlled environment, initiating physiological changes in the bones. Gradually, the bones will become denser and stronger through continuous training. Therefore, they are more resistant to impact and help reduce the likelihood of experiencing stress fractures and other bone-related injuries. Incorporating strength training exercises is beneficial not just for elite athletes, but also for amateur athletes who want to continue training throughout their lifetime without worrying about breaks or cumulative stress to their bones.
Muscle and tendon resilience and utilization. When executed correctly, continuous training increases the strength of your muscles and tendons, making it easier to provide support for the connective tissues. With that extra support, your tissue can withstand impact and resistance more effectively. Again, this makes it possible to continue intensive training at any age without injury.
Mental balance. Participating in an event or sport year-round can be physically and emotionally taxing. Allowing your mind to drift away from your event can give you a refreshed perspective.
Including periods of the year where you can step away for a bit can refresh your mind and reignite your passion for your sport or athletic hobby. Think of it as having your favorite food at every meal – it might start losing some of its appeal. But providing some variety in between can bring that joy back.
Longevity of training. When you are training for a sport, it’s important to identify areas of weakness before deep diving into physical development routines. Give yourself time to work on these weaknesses so you can build strength. If you are consistently getting hurt or are in pain, this may be a sign that your muscles are overworked. Being able to identify when to push and when to step back can be a fine line, but it gets easier with experience and knowing your body well.
With endurance events, the mentality is to push despite the pain. That can be beneficial short-term goals, but detrimental for long-term sustainability. Strength training can help both elite and amateur athletes build a more durable body through tissue resilience, bone density, balancing of the body and mental rejuvenation. By keeping your activity sustainable, you can stay in the game longer.
Ready to start training? Learn more about Accel’s approach to helping clients reach their performance goals.
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