Importance of an In-season Weight Training Program
As an athletic season approaches, Strength and Conditioning coaches hear one statement that comes up like clockwork and drives them nuts. They will hear from a player, parent or even a sport coach themselves ‘I dont want my athlete(s) lifting during the season because it will be too much for them and they will get tired’ or something to the same effect. This statement holds little to no truth, given that an in-season weight lifting program is administered properly. In fact if done properly, weight lifting in season can be extremely beneficial to the athlete and help enhance performance. But still today especially in the youth and high school ranks, Strength and Conditioning coaches all over are fighting the pro in-season weight training fight.
Whenever we at APEX are approached with such a scenario we respond with a simple question, ‘Why put in all the work in the off-season just to let it fade away in-season’. In most cases we get the same I dont want my athlete(s) to be too tired to play which is a fair answer but warrants the response from us saying the science and research supports that weight lifting in-season done with proper load and volume and overall intensity will cause little soreness and little overall fatigue. Simply put, some of the smartest minds in the field of exercise science and kinesiology conclude that in-season training can be a benefit if done appropriately. Subsequently the parent, player or coach will not have retort because they will finally understand how important in-season training can be, but yet the question remains why are there still individuals out there who do not accept the science and benefit that it can bring.
The sports that come with that type of rhetoric most often include baseball and basketball primarily. Sports that are very powerful and nervous system driven, but also have very repetitive primary motions such as the swing, throw, or follow through shot. A good portion of injuries from those particular sports are overuse injuries that are derived from such repetitive motions. In-season weight lifting can both charge of the nervous system to allow the body to be quick and powerful as well as preventing those overuse injuries by strengthening both the primary mover muscles as well as the primary stopper muscles which can get tired and worn out if they are left to be weak and untrained.
I would confidently say every college and pro sports program lifts in-season from your average run of the mill team to National and World Champion teams, so why do parents and coaches of the youth athlete continue to subscribe to the notion that weights in-season are harmful but off-season are a benefit? Here at APEX we strongly adhere to the benefits of an in-season program and strongly suggest youth athletes participate in such program. If you have any questions regarding your in-season program call (307)-682-4900 or stop in to talk to one of our Performance Specialists today at 1013 E. Boxelder Rd.