It is an athlete’s goal to be the best that they can be at their particular sporting discipline. In order to achieve this endpoint they need to make sure that their bodies are at their peak condition. This means that they need to eat right and do the correct forms of exercise both on and off the field. Strength training is in an athlete’s best interest because it prevents injuries and increases performance greatly.
How does strength training prevent injury?
Strength training helps to reduce the chance of getting injured as well as the severity of it. An injured athlete cannot perform at their best. If an athlete falls prey to injuries less, the longer their career can last.
In sporting competitions and workouts, injuries cannot be avoided. The constant training eventually stacks up and takes its toll on an athlete’s body. A good strength training programme that is well structured, comprehensive and properly provided all-year-round results in muscle-tendon units. These are stronger and can better manage the constant stress and forces athletic activities and training puts them through
Strength training increases muscle and connective tissue strength and flexibility. This means muscles and connective tissue will mend better and faster when injuries occur.
The role of strength training in flexibility
Full-range strength training focuses on movements that complete the raising and lowering phases of the select area. This will have an enhanced effect on flexibility and mobility of that structure. When one compartment of a joint is contracted, the opposite compartment is lengthened because muscles work in pairs. Strength training will have a positive effect on improving your long-term flexibility.
Athletes will find that they exhibit more speed, power, agility and athleticism due to strength training. This type of training will not make you clumsy or stiff.
What is ‘power’ in terms of exercise?
Muscle force and movement speed equals power. Combining strength training as well as other physical activity related to the sport you are training for has a positive impact on both movement speed and muscle force.
Muscle force has a higher rate and level of production when muscle fibres are larger and stronger. When combining strength training and the physical activity related to the sport, the result can be a highly efficient, explosive athlete.
Increased resting metabolism
Muscle is an active tissue. Between 30 and 40 calories a day are burnt for every kilogram of new muscle while your body rests. This benefits you because it burns more calories even when you are resting and not working out with weights. This helps keep your body fat in check and assist you with achieving your goal weight.
Increased bone mineral density
When properly administered the type of stress placed on the body by strength training can be extremely beneficial. Progressive strength training increases protein and mineral content in the bone material. After a few months of this type of workout routine, there can be significant improvements to bone density. This means stronger bones that are not as prone to injury.
Improved glucose metabolism
Diabetes is associated with poor glucose metabolism which can effectively be improved by performing strength training. Glucose uptake can increase up to 25% after a few months of regular exercise.
The goal of strength training is to prevent injuries and improve performance. A strength training program has to be specially designed for you. If not there may be adaptations that could be detrimental to your sports performance.
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If you want to learn more about other types of exercise and what their benefits are then you should really do our Personal Training Diploma. For more information, please follow this link.
