Strength Training the 4th Discipline

Triathletes cannot live by swim, bike, run training alone.  To be successful as a triathlete you have to add another discipline... strength training.   

There are many benefits to strength training. 

• Help prevent injury
• Increase performance
• Become stronger by increasing muscle mass
• Improve bone density slowing down bone loss
• Improve overall quality of life

For many reasons athletes neglect this area in their training routine. Some may feel strength training is only for the elite, others may feel they have to have special equipment or belong to a gym or they may not know where to start.   

Strength training is for everyone, not just the elite.  If you walk this earth you can benefit from some form of strength training. 

You do not need special equipment, you would be surprised the results you can get from using a yoga mat and your own body weight. 

• Squats
• Side Lunges
• Planks
• Crunches
• Push-ups

Check out this video  from my website for an example of squats and side lunges.  Lower Body Work - Using your body weight

If you have been training on your own, don't have coach or personal trainer and you want to get started, make an appointment with a local personal trainer or a gym.  This individual will ask you questions and help you make an informed decisions on what you need for your specific needs and Tri goals.  This is also the time you ask questions.  Don't be shy, have you list ready, make sure you are comfortable.  You will not offend them, believe me personal trainers have heard it all. 

Make strength training a part of your training plan and you will see improvements as you swim, bike and run this Tri journey.