Strength is the New Black

Every day my inbox is filled with newsletters from different strength and fitness 'gurus' with the latest tips on how to excel my performance or maintain my masculinity by proving how strong I am with the latest training protocol. Its official: strength training is in BIG TIME!

Some might find it strange that as a strength and conditioning trainer I am even writing this blog entry. I guess what is niggling me is the new style of online strength training marketing (by this I mean training for absolute strength). When it comes to training there is nothing new under the sun. Simply carefully packaged and regurgitated information. The best training systems or protocols have been in place for some time. Are new systems and protocols really 'new' or merely refined or slightly modified versions, with a heavy dose of 'bling' to make it more palatable? Don't be fooled by the hype. The individual and their commitment to training is far more important than the training system. There are NO QUICK FIXES.

My final thoughts? Strength training is valid, but be clear what your training goals are, be clear what your sport or activity requires and stick with that. Its easy to be tempted by something more glitz and glamorous, but Sometimes the best training program doesn't require a radical upheaval of what you are already doing, merely minor adjustments here and there. If absolute strength training is the new black, I'm wearing red.

The Strength Connection

Fact: You are only as strong as your weakest link.

Sensible strength training takes this into account. Whether you are weight training for strength endurance, power, pure strength or whatever, it would be a good idea to bare this in mind if you don't want your muscles and joints popping and locking like an international break dance convention.

Connective tissue (such as tendons, ligaments, joint capsules) adapt at a slower rate then the structural changes that take place within the muscle tissue. Ligaments, tendons and joint capsules play a vital role in stabilising joints, absorbing shock and facilitating contact between moving parts. Increasing load too soon can place undue stress on structures which are not ready to cope with the demands placed on them. This can put you out of the game for a long while.

If you're prone to injury (and its not a mechanical or technique fault) you might want to look at how you are increasing your loads and make the necessary changes. The above factors underlying strength production should be a big feature in your programme design, before its too late. Mel C Siffs, Super Training is well worth a look if you want a more indepth look.

Check out the clip below, it might give you some food for thought.



Blimey!