Our prior posts on swimming have focused on the benefits of strength training and race pacing during a swim event. Conversely, fatigue is one of the factors shown to reduce swim performance and stroke mechanics. This change in mechanics places a swimmer at a greater risk of shoulder overuse injuries including impingement and tendonitis. A...
Triathlon athletes have varying distances to compete in from shorter sprint races to longer Ironman distance events. As the events progress from sprint to Olympic to Ironman distance the percentage of time spent in each discipline (swim, bike, run) adjusts with the distance. Research has shown when comparing the Olympic and Ironman distances athletes will...
Resistance training is an essential part of any training program due to its’ ability to reduce injury risk and improve sports performance. Adolescents can safely resistance train if they are properly supervised and can perform movements correctly. One of the foundations of any strengthening program is the squat. The squat is an incredible training tool...
Among Boulder endurance athletes many training variables are utilized to promote beneficial adaptations within our bodies. These adaptations to the cardiovascular and musculoskeletal systems lead to improved future performances in practice and competitions. One training variable includes interval training where athletes complete portions of endurance exercise at a high intensity followed by a recovery period....
Swimming is the opening leg of the triathlon race and many athletes utilize this leg to establish position for the upcoming bike and run events of the competition. Swimming remains the hardest and often most dreaded of the 3 triathlon components for many competitors. For this group of competitors, a race strategy for the swim...
A common question we receive in clinic is how many repetitions should I perform of this strengthening exercise? Clearly, enough repetitions are needed under a given load to promote beneficial changes within the tissues for improvements in both healing and performance. Ranges of repetitions range from < 5, 8-12 reps, and >15 reps depending on...
In the last couple of weeks we have posted on the impact of strength training on endurance performance. Studies have shown resistance training improves both running and cycling economy leading to faster times. These studies add to our existing knowledge on the importance of endurance athletes balancing their endurance training with strength exercises. The pool...
This week we posted on the benefits of strength training on cycling performance. Specifically, how strength training improves our body’s use of resources including oxygen and fuel to power us through our endurance workouts. The more economical or efficient endurance athlete will be able to sustain a higher speed for a longer period of time...
As we move towards the end of winter many Boulder cyclists are growing tired of the indoor hours on their bicycles. One of the benefits of the winter months for cyclists is the opportunity to introduce strength training into their work out programs. A 2 to 3 day a week, total body strengthening program not...
In running, performance is easily quantified as the fastest time over a given distance. The runners with the fastest times often have the best ability to utilize oxygen (VO2 max), process metabolites and substances involved in energy utilization (lactate threshold), and the most efficient running form. Efficiency in running is described as running economy, similar...