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How Training for Sports Can Improve Overall Fitness

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How Training for Sports Can Improve Overall Fitness

Whether you’re a runner, swimmer, basketball player, cyclist, golfer or other sports aficionado, training for your specific sport is often top of mind when it comes to exercising. It can be challenging to create a workout routine focused on your sport while including other necessary elements for fitness, such as strength training. In these instances, a trainer can be an excellent form of support and motivation. Cooper Fitness Center Professional Fitness Trainer and Golf Fitness Specialist David Williams explains how to improve your fitness through sport-specific training.

Supplemental Training for Injury Prevention and Improved Performance

The importance of incorporating supplemental training with sport-specific training is clear, especially when it comes to avoiding injury and maintaining symmetry of the body. Many sports, including golf, require the body to move asymmetrically, or “one-sided.” The body prefers balance and symmetry, and injuries increase as a person loses symmetry between the left and right sides with regard to strength, balance and flexibility.

“While it isn’t possible to always avoid injury, working within your personal limitations will reduce risk of injury,” says Williams. “Listen to your body – if you’re experiencing pain or discomfort, be smart and don’t overdo it.” Allow time for a warm up before you begin playing your sport, which should include mimicking movements your sport requires on a smaller scale. For example, warm up with slower and smaller body rotations for golf. Add resistance and speed as you start to loosen up.

Adding a supplemental exercise routine to go along with sport-specific training can also reduce the chance of becoming bored or tired of your sport. Williams suggests varying your exercise – try a group class, switch up your routine, find a workout partner or start working with a personal trainer. “A personal trainer can see what you’re already doing in your workouts, and help you make any necessary adjustments to balance out your body while working toward your fitness goals,” explains Williams.

“For golf specifically, I actually take people through a golf fitness assessment,” says Williams. “We look at more detailed movements involved in golf and look to focus on strength, stability, power and balance.”

Personal Training + Sport-Specific Training = Success

In addition to using a personal trainer for fitness purposes, working with a sport-specific professional can help you improve your skills, such as golf swing and grip. Williams notes oftentimes sports professionals and trainers work together to assess your strengths and weaknesses both within the game and physically, and can work together to help you move forward in improving your game.

“The benefits of training for a sport are numerous,” says Williams. “Many people are less likely to get bored if they’re working toward a specific goal, and seeing improvements out on the course (or through whatever measurement your sport relies on) can keep people focused and motivated.”

For more information about professional fitness training at Cooper Fitness Center, visit cooperfitnesscenter.com/Pros or call 972.233.4832. 

Article provided by Cooper Aerobics Marketing and Communications.