Power training is a very unique training method that is often misunderstood, neglected and even abused in many strength programs. In simple terms power is the ability to exert maximum muscular contraction instantly in an explosive burst of movement. Most sporting and athletic activities require a fair degree of explosive power, whether it is needed to move explosively to hit a golf ball or tennis ball, jump, sprint, break away from an opponent, react to an opponents offensive tactic or handle an open-field hit, the need to produce power is an essential component. However, it is not limited to sports with many daily activities also requiring this ability. We need power and speed to complete simple tasks like getting out of a chair, walking up stairs, starting a lawnmower or crossing a road quickly. When you understand that we lose this ability very quickly if nothing is done to prevent it, you begin to see just how important power training is to ALL of us. In this article, I will explain how to not only preserve it, but improve your power no matter what age you are.
Maximal Strength Training – What Is It Exactly & Is It Worth The Risk?
Strength means different things to different people. The way an Olympic weight lifter looks at strength training is completely different to how an older adult or even a sporting athlete looks at strength training. There are many different strength types and having a great understanding what the different strength types are and what type is most suitable to your goal is critical in achieving the results you are looking for. Most people without realizing it are following a body-building program which is more about muscle size than muscle strength. To improve strength you must work with maximal strength programs however, there are many questions surrounding this type of intensity with the first one being is it too risky? What exercises should you use? How many sets and reps should you use? Do you need a weight belt and wrist straps and how many times per week is best? To answer all these questions and more I asked our trainer Nathan Fejes to give us his thoughts as he regularly uses this type of training himself. He has records of 150kg with both deadlifts and squats and 45kg with Turkish get ups.