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Sports Specificity Training Makes You Stronger Where You Need It Most
By Christina | September 9, 2009
Among elite athletes, conditioning programs have always been based on functional training. This type of athletic based training works because it specifically prepares your body to perform at your maximum level for the sport you are training for. This makes sense when you think about it. If your goal is to improve your basketball game, your physical training requirements are going to be vastly different from someone who wants to run a marathon.
Basketball requires a lot of explosive power, speed, and agility. Plyometrics will comprise a large part of a basketball player’s training, as well as sprints and agility drills. It is important for athletes to cross-train, but in terms of enhancing athletic performance, sports specificity training is the way to go.
Sugar Ray Leonard had a great line when he was interviewed recently. He said that he is no longer a boxer at his age, but he continues to train like a boxer. The converse is also true. If you train like the athlete you want to become, you will become that athlete.
There is applicability in functional training for the casual exerciser, as well. For example, if your job requires you to do heavy lifting, your workouts should focus on developing your core strength to prevent lower back pain and shoulder problems. When there is purpose behind the way you exercise, you are more likely to stick with your exercise program and are more likely to see tangible results from your hard work.
Topics: Boot Camp, Personal Training |
