Sunday, February 20, 2011

Form + Function = Smart Training and a Strong Body for the Multi-Sport Athlete

There are numerous components to living a healthy lifestyle: exercise, eating well, and vitamin supplementation just to name a few.  A component that is oftentimes overlooked, especially by women is strength training.

Why strength train?  Strength training has numerous benefits, as does all exercise. Combining strength training with Yoga and a variety of cardio workouts is your formula for overall success when it comes to toning, weight loss, balance, flexibility and most importantly overall wellness.

Form is one of the most important elements when it comes to strength training.  Form includes controlling the movement, range of motion, and the speed of motion.  Controlling a movement means you are taking your time while conducting a specific movement and you are not cheating yourself out of working that targeted muscle group.  The range of motion refers to utilizing the full extension while conducting an exercise.  This will work all the fibers and portions of the muscle necessary to build strength.  The speed of motion refers to the level of speed you use while exercising a particular muscle.  The slower you contract the more tension you develop and the more tension equals better results!

It is far more important to perfect your form, which may mean lifting lighter weights, or doing less repititions .  Your workout will be more effective and productive.  If you do not pay attention to good form, you will get hurt sooner or later despite your best efforts.




Article contributed by Vanessa Spiller, Certified Nutritionist and Certified Personal Trainer.  Vanessa is also certified in the TRX Suspension Strength Training System.  Visit her health and wellness website at www.gethealthywithvanessa.com.  Vanessa teaches TRX classes in Gainesville, VA at Balans Studio.  Check out their complete listing of classes offered at www.balansstudio.com.

13 comments:

  1. Anybody want to try TRX Cardio on Thursday at 6:35???

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  2. I want to go this Thursday. Did you sign up already?

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  3. Vanessa,
    Great website! and thanks for the article. I'm doing some planks as I type this with my nose.

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  4. TRX system looks very interesting......I definetly wanna try it!

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  5. Hey all,
    Vanessa has offered to teach the Rogue Racers a TRX class this weekend for anyone who would be interested. It would have to be Saturday after 12pm or Sunday at 9:15am. The studio where Vanessa teaches charges a drop-in rate of $15/class. It would be about an hour long. Please reply if you are interested (spots are limited).

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  6. I could do Saturday pm (after 12).

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  7. George and I are in for Saturday TRX as well. Can't wait to try it.

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  8. How did everyone do with the TRX? Sorry I couldn't make it.

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  9. It was a ton of fun, but I think my arms are going to be pretty sore tomorrow. It definitely made me realize that I need to start doing more strength training (or should I say... that I need to start doing strength training)! :-)

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  10. My arms are going to kill me tomorrow. They already have that slightly weak jello feeling. I liked it, but it was challenging. It was very nice to do it the first time with a group of people you know.

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  11. Got to get those arms ripped so they look good in the RR singlets.

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  12. For all those late night runners! Peter and I will be on the track at 8:50PM tomorrow and 6:30 on Wednesday.

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  13. Hey Keith,
    I'm going to go meet Kelly and Tom at the track at 5:15pm tonight. If it's really nice out, I might try to jog up to the track at 6:30pm tomorrow night and do a few repeats!
    Have fun tonight!

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