I was just wondering, do most people who train for triathlons stay in good muscular shape (like actually lifting free weights and such) or is it better to just focus on muscular endurance? I like to stay somewhat "ripped" and working out helps me do that, but I was just wondering if it was in anyway detrimental to my desire to complete a triathlon.
Forums » General Training » Strength Training
Strength and Triathlons
(3 posts)-
Posted 7 months ago #
-
Resistance training is an important part of all around fitness and key to improving performance. I think most people do what they like most. You can primarily lift and compete in triathlons and you can primarily run/bike/swim and compete in triathlons. You need to balance the two depending on your goals.
You need to put in the miles to have the endurance and to really compete you need the right muscles - 15" pythons don't really help you much anywhere on the course - but I've seen all body types compete and enjoy triathlons.
I think Lisa Sabin wrote an article on resistance training for endurance athletes that's either on her blog or in the library.
Posted 7 months ago # -
Resistance training or strength training can be looked at several ways: It all depends on the goal. The principle of specificity of adaptation will determine the exercises, order, intensity, duration, frequency, and where it fits in your overall plan.
Resistance training (including progressive resistance) has been shown to improve running mechanics, but, to have little effect on increasing performance in high level swimmers, cyclists, and runners. However, due to the chronic repetitive nature of endurance sports certain muscle groups can be out of balance, thus increasing the risk of injuries. When there are stabilizer weaknesses performance can be impacted.
Functional work serves as a mode for re-balancing muscle groups that are needed to stabilize the trunk. Trunk stabilization (axial spine) is critical for efficient injury free movement. We have difficulty generating power from a limb if the trunk is not stabilized and if the muscles around the joints are compromised. The body will perform movements but the amount of power can be increased or decreased depending upon the overall strength of the structure. We are only as strong as our weakest link.
Posted 5 months ago #
Reply
You must log in to post.
