Are you at a stage in your health journey where you are of relative health, and looking to take the next step into preventative work/increased muscular production. In the quest to enhance performance be it sports, performance, or goal minded individuals – resistance training is the cornerstone. As an osteopathic practitioner, I’m excited to shed light on how resistance training not only builds muscle but also contributes to overall health. Here’s a deep dive into how strength training can elevate your health.
One of the primary benefits of resistance training is its positive impact on musculoskeletal health. Regular resistance exercises strengthen muscles, tendons, and ligaments, which supports the function of our skeletal system and reduces our risk of injury. For individuals, this means enhanced joint stability and resilience against common strains and sprains. Resistance training also promotes bone density, crucial for preventing stress fractures and other bone-related injuries that can impede any athletic progress (1).
Osteopathic medicine places significant emphasis on the importance of proper body alignment for overall health. Strength training contributes to better postural alignment by strengthening the core muscles, including the abdominals, obliques, and lower back muscles. Constant looking down at screens is an issue in adolescence that could see a major benefit from resistance training protocols, helping to maintain proper posture, to ensure that forces are distributed evenly across the body, leading to more efficient and effective movement patterns (2).
Resistance training not only builds muscle but also enhances neuromuscular efficiency. This refers to the ability of the nervous system to communicate effectively with the muscles, improving coordination, reaction time, and movement patterns. By engaging in strength training, individuals can develop better motor control and precision, which translates to more effective and powerful movements in their respective fields.
Here are a few tips to get started:
Start Slowly: Begin with lighter weights and focus on proper form to prevent injuries.
Variety is Key: Incorporate a mix of exercises targeting different muscle groups.
Consistency Matters: Aim for at least 2-3 strength training sessions per week.
Progress Gradually: Increase weight and intensity as your strength improves.
Listen to Your Body: Ensure adequate rest and recovery to avoid overtraining.
Consult Professionals: Reduce risk of injury, Incremental goals and moderate technique
Incorporating strength training into your regimen can be a game-changer. Whether you’re a budding athlete that wants to improve your power, speed, endurance, and injury resistance, Or an individual with a goal in mind. Resistance training doesn’t discriminate, public gym settings may be scary for individuals, and we understand that. That’s why I have created a gap in our current programing for those that may not be carrying an injury that requires rehabilitation and those that are self-sufficient. Called “Resistance Conditioning”.
About the author:
Daniel Skaer was drawn to study Osteopathy through his personal experiences with sporting injuries, a fascination with the science behind the human body and a passion for helping people achieve quality of life.
“The complexity in the human body won’t adapt to change unless you create a change,” he says. “Treating injuries for their causing agents can become a preventative rather than a band-aid approach.”
Daniel is a strong believer in Osteopathy’s philosophy of treating the body as a whole, rather than simply treating the dysfunctional region. “No two patients are the same, which is why it’s so important to work with each patient to create a tailored management plan, empowering them through education and support.”
Daniel has a specific interest in chronic pain management, hypermobility dysfunctions and structural strength assistance and uses a range of techniques including soft tissue, manipulation and mobilisation techniques.
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