Integrating Strength Training Into Your Daily Life
What’s the point of strength training if you’re already physically active?
You may be thinking to yourself:
“Why should I incorporate strength training into my life?
“I’m already an active person.”
“I spend countless hours outside riding my bike, gliding along in my kayak and skiing on the slopes.”
In terms of being an active person, I’m going above and beyond guidelines.”
The Power of Self-Reflection
Pause here for a second and recognize if this is something that you’ve said to yourself.
Because I know that I did.
The question then isn’t whether or not you’re healthy or even if you’re active.
The question really starts to focus on, just how well rounded of an athlete are you?
Fitness programs should always be planned in a way that helps you do the things that you love the most.
The most successful programs, though, encompass several different principals.
Cardio based programs are great for training your endurance and cardiovascular systems.
Strength training programs are there to help you build muscle, become stronger and thus be able to produce more POWER.
Making the Case for Strength Training
If you really want to become faster and dominate in your cardio of choice. Or if you just want to ensure that you’re still able to do those activities when you’re in your 80s.
Guess what?
You need to incorporate strength training.
Why? Let me explain below:
The Benefits of Strength Training
Stronger Muscles for Sustained Effort: Stronger muscles are more efficient at performing repetitive movements, reducing fatigue during prolonged cardio sessions. This equates to having the ability to go faster for longer periods of time.
Better Oxygen Utilization: Strength training improves the ability of muscles to store and utilize oxygen. With stronger muscles, the body actually has to work LESS in order to produce the same result. Imagine what more you could do with that increase in efficiency?
Enhanced Explosiveness: Strength workouts, like a loaded squat, lunge or deadlift, improve your ability to generate force quickly. This translates to faster sprints, more powerful strides, and quicker acceleration during cardio activities. More power? Yes please.
Reduced Risk of Injury: Strength training helps improve joint stability and muscle balance, reducing the risk of overuse injuries during repetitive cardio activities like running, cycling, or swimming. Giving yourself a bit of reassurance that you’ll be able to do the things that you love as you continue to age.
Better Movement Mechanics: Strengthening key muscle groups helps refine your movement patterns. For example, strengthening your glutes and hamstrings improves your running form, while core and upper body strength contribute to better posture during cycling or swimming.
Conclusion
Strength training should be a part of our lives, no matter what else we have going on in our lives. Find out what your real potential is by giving it a try.
Author: Erica Villanueva
