Stay Injury Free

What is the most important reason strength training is important for athletes?

First, let's define strength. Strength is simply the ability to produce force. Every athletic quality depends on force production. Sprinting, jumping, cutting, or competing for a loose ball all depend on producing force into the ground or an opponent.

The most important reason strength training is important for athletes is injury mitigation. Because the movement of our skeleton is controlled by muscles, training the muscles to be strong keeps the joints in anatomically safe positions when stressed by the outside forces that are always present in sports. For example, if the muscles of the hip are not strong enough to withstand the forces put on the leg by a particular change of direction on the field, this could cause unsafe movement in the thigh thus putting one's knee in a compromised position. Apply this same example to the shoulder, ankle, and low back and it's clear why stronger muscles can help mitigate the risk of injury.

Proper strength training should not be painful and will help keep an athlete healthier on the field!

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