Reasons Why You Should Include Strength Training
Reap the benefits when you include strength training
Strength training is an underrated physical activity that has a lot of advantages. Some people think it is a physical activity that is meant for bodybuilders and weight lifters, but that’s not true. Everyone should include strength training to their overall plan. You’re asking a lot from your body when you think of all the swimming, cycling, and running. When you include strength training, you’re giving your body the strength it needs to do what you want it to do. Below are 4 reasons why you should include strength training. Pro tip: train smarter with some of our favorite apps.
Become stronger
Getting stronger occurs whether you use weights or complete exercises using your body weight. The great thing about getting stronger is it doesn’t have to cost you anything! Your body needs a foundation to build upon when you begin training. Increasing your strength will give you the ability to complete all that your training plan calls for. Pro tip: you have to put in the work! Use these 4 excuse-busters and don’t skip your next strength workout.
Prevent injuries
Overuse injuries occur when you complete the same act repeatedly. Give overused muscles a rest when you include strength training. Various exercises, like lunges and squats, can help strengthen your lower body and allow your upper body to rest (if you completed a swim workout the day before). Conversely, push-ups, dips, or rows can strengthen your arms and allow your lower body to rest. Pro tip: here are some additional tips to avoid knee pain.
Improve your endurance
As you get stronger, you’ll improve your endurance. You teach your body to go further and further when you include strength training. The stronger you become, the more power your body will have to swim, bike, and run further than the week before.
Stay fit
You don’t have to train for a certain event to include strength training. Use it as a means to stay fit. You can maintain your foundation of strength by focusing at least 10 minutes on your core and 10 minutes on your upper and lower body. This allows you to keep swimming, cycling, and running so that you’re ready for your next event. Pro tip: eating healthy helps you stay fit too. Make sure you’re eating your greens with these healthy recipes.
The benefits of strength training can be enormous, especially when paired with these 8 habits of a successful triathlete. It all depends on how much you invest from a time standpoint. But the great thing about increasing your strength is you don’t need heavy weights or expensive equipment. You can do sit-ups, push-ups, squats, lunges, mountain climbers, and anything else you think of from the comfort of your home. Include strength training and establish the foundation needed to stay fit, prevent injuries, and get stronger.
