Weight training, power lifting, gymnastics, callisthenics, plyometrics, body weight training (such as rock climbing) – the options for resistance training are wide and varied (both in application and benefits).
Functional movement and eccentric contraction concentration are my two top pics when it comes to what you should look to achieve from resistance training.
Benefits of… Functional movement exercises
- mimicks joint movements and muscle contractions that are used for normal daily activities (work, rest and play).
- stretch and strengthen the muscles that are used for your daily activities and you are making your body more resilient to that daily physical stress/load that’s placed on your body.
Benefits of… Eccentric contraction concentration
- when your muscle contracts, it shortens and this is called a concentric contraction.
- when your muscle relaxes until it’s normal tone/tensile strength, it lengthens and this is called an eccentric contraction.
- muscle injuries (overuse/traumatic) almost always occur when the muscle is lengthened (as this is when the muscle is at its weakest/most vulnerable)
- taking this into consideration, strengthening your muscles as they are lengthening (i.e. eccentric strengthening) will assist in both rehabilitation from injuries and prehabilitation to prevent the possibility of potential injuries.
Benefits of… Resistance-band training
- functional movement training
- eccentric contraction concentraion
In conclusion… You may be looking to improve your sitting/standing posture at work, run a marathon PB, keep up with your mates on a weekend ride, or gunning for the pub games world championships (darts and pool). Whatever it is, resistance training will help you get there (no matter which option you choose).
How to train with your resistance band…
- see your local Personal Trainer
- buy an instructional book or DVD
- have a look at the thousands of workout options on Youtube.
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