Once Inspired

Posts Tagged ‘Weight Training’

Strength training is severly underated by most triathletes. Here a great article by Matt Dixon.

Regarding the value of strength training as it applies to endurance sports, and to provide a valuable response I should clarify exactly what I think of when discussing strength training. I think there should be very little debate as to the value of strength training in improving endurance performance—this being specific exercises and movements that improve stability, mobility and functional strength that directly correlate to movements made in your core sport (swim, bike, run). Functional strength is one of the four pillars of performance I base my training philosophy on, with the other three being the core sport, recovery and nutrition.

It’s amazing how many athletes I have come across that either think or have been advised to stay away from weight training, especially women. Unfortunately they never received the correct information on the benefits weight training or strength & conditioning as I call it. To them the mere mention of the word creates an image of a person with muscles of unbelievable proportions. Well yes I can understand that but let’s have a brief look at 2 of the misconceptions surrounding strength & conditioning.

1. “If I do weight’s I’ll get too big and look ugly.”