Strength and Conditioning: PEAK Therapy

Strength and Conditioning

Optimise Performance

Create Efficient Movement Patterns

Reduce Risk of Injury

Increase Muscular Strength and Endurance

Within the elite model of performance strength and conditioning coaches work alongside a range of health professionals. This includes but is not limited to; physiotherapists, medical doctors, soft tissue therapists, sports therapists, psychologists, nutritionists, lifestyle managers, performance coaches and technical coaches to ensure optimal performance.

How to create an effective

programme

To become a good strength and conditioning coach you need to include complex models of training. This includes periodisation where training is split into cycles (Micro, Meso, and Macro). This enables the coach to manipulate variables of training to ensure the athlete gradually improves. It is key to incorporate not just strength work but also consider metabolic conditioning, movement efficiency, sprint work, agility work, progression and regression exercises. This ensures the athlete is fully equipped to deal with the demands of their sport.

Should the Elderly lift weights?

It is just as important for the elderly as it is the athletic population to partake in strength and conditioning. As we age, poor strength and balance results in falls causing injuries such as fractures. This is typically due to low bone mineral density. To improve this and protect against fractures and conditions such as osteoarthritis strengthening exercises using heavy weights are essential. This will place stress on the bone causing positive strength adaptations and protection from further injury.

SHOULD Children and young people LIFT WEIGHTS?

Often there are worries surrounding children and young people lifting the weight. It is, in fact, safe and healthy for them as long as their techniques are assessed and they are in the correct growth stage ( no in the maturation phase where growth plates are open). Children already have the movement patterns. plyometrics, proprioception, and strength required for sterngth and conditioning. You will often see them in a deep squat building a tower or running around the playground hopping and skipping. Get them doing this early!