Understanding the Basics of Strength and Conditioning
In essence, strength and conditioning applies the principles of sports science to improve movement quality. This field is based on research and physiology, and is grounded in evidence. Because movement is universal, everyone can benefit from improving the quality of their movement.
Although many associate strength and conditioning with hardcore athletic training, it's not limited to Olympic lifting, prowler pushing, or sprint drills. While these exercises are helpful tools, they're not the definition of strength and conditioning. So, what exactly is strength and conditioning?
Explaining Strength and Conditioning
The concept of strength and conditioning is simple, but it has a lot of layers. Here are some key factors to consider:
Movement Quality: The focus is on improving performance by enhancing movements, whether in athletics or real-life scenarios. This includes developing speed, strength, power, and balance, and even helping elderly clients stand up with ease.
Injury Prevention: Better movement patterns also mean a lower risk of injury, which can be especially crucial for athletes looking to extend their careers or elderly clients hoping to maintain their quality of life.
Versatility: Strength and conditioning is a fitness regimen that caters to a broad spectrum of people, from beginners to experts, athletes to amateurs. It encompasses various tools to enhance movement, health, and physical performance, such as plyometrics, speed and agility, mobility, core stability, endurance, and weight training, among others.
Strength and conditioning was once considered exclusive to athletes, but it has become more mainstream as people realise the benefits of this evidenced based practise. So whether you're looking to improve your performance on the field or simply want to stay healthy and active, strength and conditioning could be the answer. Exploring the Advantages of Strength and Conditioning Training
If you're wondering about the perks of strength and conditioning, there are plenty of reasons to start. While the benefits may vary from person to person depending on their goals and abilities, we've compiled a list of our top ten favourites:
Injury prevention: By thoroughly assessing a client's movement patterns, strength and conditioning training can help prevent injuries. This is especially beneficial for athletes and amateurs.
Improved proprioception: Strength and conditioning exercises can improve proprioception, which is the awareness of movement and position in the body. Specific exercises and balance work can aid in developing this sense. Improved proprioception also contributes to preventing injuries.
Enhanced performance: A strength and conditioning programme uses scientifically-backed training methods to improve client performance over time. A Strength and Conditioning Coach plays a crucial role in maximising clients' capabilities to enhance performance by identifying key areas of improvement and accurately measuring results. Participants can experience improvements in technical, physical, tactical, or mental factors.
Better overall health: Regular exercise, including a combination of strength training, HIIT training, plyometrics, and cardio conditioning, is beneficial for overall health and wellbeing. Strength and conditioning training can increase cardiovascular health and improve muscular, skeletal, and mental health.
Enhanced Enjoyment of Exercise: When you exercise correctly and see progress in your movement technique, it can make the experience more enjoyable and motivating. Strength and conditioning not only boosts progress, but also helps prevent injuries by promoting quality movement patterns. This means less worry of injury and more fun during training.
Faster Recovery from Injuries: Although strength and conditioning aims to prevent injuries, they can still occur. However, being stronger and more adaptable, thanks to strength and conditioning, can aid the recovery process. A strength and conditioning coach can help identify which exercises can condition your muscles back to optimal performance while avoiding movements that are out of bounds.
Incorporating these principles into your own training can make a significant difference in your Triathlon performance, movement, and overall wellbeing.
