Developing a whole body approach to training and fitness can improve your performance and reduce injuries, no matter the sport!
Our bodies are built to move with the help of interconnected muscles, ligaments, tendons and joints. Our upper bodies are connected to our lower bodies through our core. Some of the most simplest movements like sitting in a chair actually involves a complex interaction between multiple muscles throughout the body.
Athletes have a tendency to become too focused on developing strength and endurance in the areas of their bodies which are directly related to their sport. Not only does this approach to training cause muscular imbalances, which can lead to injuries, but it also underutilizes the full potential of your body’s capabilities.
Benefit of Strength Training
You cannot understate the benefits of strength training. It’s not surprising that stronger muscles means higher jumps, faster runs and bigger hits. All athletes will experience the benefits of strength training. However, it is important to take a balanced approach and ensure that you are targeting all the major muscle groups in your body.
Interested in learning more about the benefits of strength training?
Injury Prevention
As mentioned, athletes need to incorporate a whole body approach into their training. Strong and balanced muscles help to reduce overuse injuries by building a stronger, more resilient body. This will help to prevent muscle imbalances and injuries by improving overall muscle functionality.
Peak Performance
There is not a single athlete who would not benefit from focusing on a whole body approach to training. Even if the sport appears to be heavily dominated by one region of the body, the rest of your body is still playing a very crucial supporting role.
For example, there is no question that soccer players need to have strong glutes, quads and hamstrings. But equally important is their core for maintaining balance, facilitating movement between the upper and lower body, and for building endurance. Similarly, in addition to strong cores, runners would also benefit from more upper body strength. A strong upper body improves propulsion and posture which improves overall form and endurance.
If you are an athlete looking to improve your game, but don't know where to start, a Kinesiologist to help you build a strong and resilient body.