Strength and Performance Training: For Athletes and More

As an athletic trainer, my primary focus is treating athletic-related injuries. Trainers assess injuries to then develop treatment plans to recovery. They also work to prevent injuries from occurring through strength- and performance-training methods.

One of the most important things an athlete, or anyone, can do to keep themselves as injury free as possible is strength train. By making your body as strong as possible, you’ll be more prepared to handle the everyday stresses you face, such as going to a two-hour practice, chasing the bus or train, taking a long walk or playing intermural sports. Your body is less likely to suddenly pull or tear a muscle if it is stronger and more adaptable to stress.

The muscles in our body are like shock absorbers in a car. If a car has good shocks, it can take a bumpy or stressful road and the car won’t suffer any damage; if it doesn’t the car and the passengers will feel the damage as it is happening. It is the same concept for muscles in the body.

The good news for athletes is that all the strength training for injury prevention and proper mechanics are the same exercises to make you faster, quicker, and stronger. These injury-prevention exercises will also make an athlete more competitive and less likely to get injured when competing.   

Strength training can be beneficial for everyone, not just athletes. From senior citizens who want to prevent falls to younger females who want to feel stronger. It can benefit an intramural participant, a weekend warrior or anyone wanting to physically get better at anything. Strength training and exercise in general also helps with your mood, concentration, mental toughness and stress levels. When put into your weekly regiment, strength training can make you a better college student and professional.

If you are an athlete of any kind, strength training needs to be part of your annual routine to help stay in peak physical shape, competitive, and injury free. Remember, the weight room is not just for the athletes! Anyone can improve their body and mind by finding some time for a strength- and performance-training program that fits their body’s needs.

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Written by Head Athletic Trainer Ellie Morse