But that kind of training is overkill for beer league casuals, right?
Theyre difficultand the less you practice them, the harder they are on your body.
This is likely why casual athletes get injured so much.
They recommend strength training for everyone from pro athletes to the noncompetitive beginner.
Lifting makes you stronger
you’re able to probably see where this is going.
Picking up heavy stuff makes you strong, and when youre strong, youre less likely to get injured.
When you inevitably do, thoughbecause, lets face it, its going to happenyoull bounce back faster.
Ive been lifting for about two months and can already vouch for this.
Last month, I sprained my right ankle for roughly the millionth time playing soccer.
It hurt a lot, but to my surprise, I walked the mile back home just fine.
The next day my ankle was stiff and slightly swollen, but not painful.
I wish Id started lifting as an injury-prone teen, but better late than never.
If weighted moves are already part of your gym routine,bump up the weightover time.
you might order more as you get stronger.
(I ordered mine from Dicks Sporting Goods, and there arestill plenty in stock.)
As for specific moves, its hard to go wrong withsquatsanddeadlifts.
From there, look up suggested weight training programs for your sport.
Everyone fromrunnersto tennis players to soccer players can benefit from lifting, and its never too late to start.
If thats your goal, meet your new best friends: The snatch, and the clean and jerk.
Whether the snatch and clean and jerk are best for all athletes is a subject of contention.
Incorporating the Olympic lifts into workouts is the most effective way to build power and speed.
No matter which sport you play, thats pretty hard to argue with.
If complex barbell lifts arent quite your speed yet, thats OK.
The moves matter less than the weight.
As long as you keep challenging yourself, youll only get stronger and more powerful.
