How Strength Training Prevents Injury

For athletes, performing strength training exercises in addition to regular practices, drills, and endurance training, on a regular basis can greatly improve strength and athletic performance, reduce the risk of injury, and improve overall health.

“Strength training not only builds stronger muscles, but also strengthens connective tissues, improves bone strength, and increases joint stability,” explains Dr. Patrick E. Hurley, orthopedic surgeon at Heartland Orthopedic Specialists.

In building stronger bones and connective tissues, strength training helps athletes reduce their risk of a bone fracture during a practice or game. Additionally, as lower body strength increases, the likeliness of an athlete sustaining a fracture is reduced. Though endurance and high intensity training can also help, strength training has the highest effect of any training program on increasing bone mineral density.

With proper instruction and a few dumbbells, your athletes can get an excellent workout when training with weights. Exercising in this way stimulates their bone health and strengthens their muscles, but it is important for them to use proper form when lifting so they do not worsen an existing condition or pull a muscle.

If you have questions about coordinating a strength training program for your athletes, contact the athletic trainers at Heartland Orthopedic Specialists by calling (320) 295-7722. For additional sports medicine-related tips, follow @HeartlandOrtho on Twitter and “like” Heartland Orthopedic Specialists on Facebook.