Strength and conditioning
When you’re training for an endurance event, you want to be strong and physically ready. Doing strength and conditioning work once or twice a week while you’re training will help you perform on the day.
Ben Barwick is a UKA Coach in Running Fitness and works for Mind’s training partner, Full Potential. The team at Full Potential are on hand to help #TeamMind get ready for their active challenges.
Why is strength and conditioning important?
Doing strength and conditioning work is a great way of adding in extra training in your week without any cardiovascular stress. We’d strongly recommend adding some in.
What does strength and conditioning involve?
We’re all unique and have different needs. You’ll need to build a strength and conditioning routine that works for you and your body.
Strength
You can think of strength as the amount of force or pressure a muscle group can produce.
Some exercises that will help here are:
- Squats
- Lunges
- Deadlifts
- Clean and press
This sort of training is great, but it isn’t always accessible to everyone. You need to do this work with good technique, so make sure you have a qualified coach helping you out.
Conditioning
These are exercises that condition the body to be fit for the sport you are doing.
These are often exercises performed with your body weight, and include things like:
- Press ups
- Reverse lunges
- Squats
- Planks
You could also do exercises that involve Therabands – resistance bands that can help you stretch and build strength in your muscles.
Important: disclaimer
Please read this information carefully:
Full Potential is an independent service provider. Mind does not endorse or guarantee the services of Full Potential, and you take part in a training programme recommended by Full Potential at your own risk.
It’s your responsibility to consult with your GP to make sure that you’re medically and physically fit and well enough to take part in a Full Potential training programme and – as per our terms and conditions – your fundraising challenge. Mind will not be held responsible for any injury or illness related to your training or taking part in a fundraising event.
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