Explosive Training Reduces Risk of Injury

While controversy surrounds appropriate training methods suitable for the general public, and those suitable for athletes, a recent release from the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) stated that, "Explosive exercises, particularly speed strength exercises, are often used in the training of strength-power athletes but may be useful in training non-athletic populations as well."

In their paper, Michael S. Conley, Ph.D., and Michael H. Stone, Ph.D. who are both strength and condition coaches go on to say, "It is apparent in performing daily activities, and especially during many athletic activities, that a wide range of maximum strength, RFD [rate of force development], power and speed may be necessary for various movements. Additionally, gradations in these parameters can be required for the successful completion of various tasks."

They found that rather than inducing injuries, explosive training actually decreased the risk of injury when compared with participation in common sports, "Injuries from strength training, including explosive exercises, are rare, with rates of occurrence and severity far lower than those in many sports such as soccer, football, basketball or gymnastics."

While injury rates as a result of using explosive exercises are extremely low, Their position was pretty clear, "adequate safety measures and quality instruction should always be enforced." Undoubtedly, exercise selection, periodisation, and quality technique all help to maximise training adaptations and minimize injury. The full document can be read here.

Low Testosterone Levels Increase Mortality Risk in Men

A recent population-based cohort study demonstrated a link between low levels of testosterone and increased risk for mortality from all causes in adult men of all ages. The following is an extract from an article by Bryan DeBusk, PhD entitled, 'Low Testosterone Levels Increase Mortality Risk in Men', it was taken from the Medscape website



"When we compared survival times of men with low testosterone levels to men with higher testosterone levels, we found that men with low testosterone had significantly lower survival," Mr. Haring told Medscape Diabetes & Endocrinology. "From our analysis, we concluded that men with testosterone levels lower than 8.7 nmol/L had a 2-fold increased risk of death."

..In a more specific analysis of causes of mortality, the researchers found that men with low testosterone levels were at increased risk for death from cancer and cardiovascular disease but not respiratory disease. The men in the low testosterone group tended to be older and had higher prevalence of diabetes, hypertension, and metabolic syndrome, and Mr. Haring acknowledged the challenge in determining whether low testosterone was a cause or effect of the cardiovascular risk factors.

ENDO 2008: The Endocrine Society 90th Annual Meeting: Abstract OR35-1. Presented June 17, 2008.

While not directly related to resistance and weight training, the above extract makes an interesting read. Apart from all the functional benefits of resistance and weight training, guys, if you ever needed another reason to add it to your current training routine this is probably it. The positive effects of resistance training on the levels of testosterone has been widely documented, so if you wish to prolong your life, get active, get lifting.

Kettlebell Chek Mate

I was sent this article by Trevor, a kettlebell enthusiast. It's about HOW and WHY kettlebells are so effective. I'm sure the content of the article is not new news to many of you (or the strongmen and athletes from the past 300 plus years), but if Paul Chek says it then..... Read the full article 'Kettlebells Ring True' and let us know what you think.