The Crucial Link Between Strength Training and Balance & Coordination

Strength training is often associated with 'bulking up muscles 'and achieving physical perfection.

However, its benefits extend far beyond 'looking in good'. In fact, strength training plays a pivotal role in enhancing balance and co-ordination, essential components of overall fitness and functionality, especially as we all get older.

Working with a number of my clients recently, I've been thinking about how far they've come and how much they've improved through the strength sessions we've been doing so I thought it would be good to share the top three reasons why incorporating strength training into your fitness regimen is key for improving and maintaining your balance and coordination.

1)Muscle Stability and Control:

Strength training targets not only the major muscle groups but also our stabiliser muscles, which are crucial for maintaining balance and coordination. Strengthening these muscles enhances their ability to support joints and maintain proper alignment during movement. As a result, individuals experience greater control over their body, reducing the risk of falls and injuries. 

2) Improved Proprioception:

Proprioception refers to the body's ability to sense its position in a space and co-ordinate movements accurately. Strength training enhances proprioceptive awareness by challenging muscles to adapt to various loads and movements. This heightened awareness enables you to make quick adjustments to maintain your balance and coordination, especially in dynamic or active situations.

3) Enhancing Neuromuscular Communication:

Strength training not only builds muscle strength but also improves the communication between our nervous system and muscles. This enhanced neuromuscular connection results in more efficient recruitment of muscle fibres, the fibres within our muscles that lead to smoother and more co-ordinated movements.

So what is the crucial link?

In conclusion, strength training serves as a key component of what we do every day to enhance balance and coordination, vital components of overall fitness and daily function.

By targeting muscle stability, improving proprioception, and enhancing neuromuscular communication, we can reap the benefits of a stronger, more coordinated body. Incorporating a balanced strength training routine into your fitness regimen can lead to significant improvements in both physical performance and quality of life.

And what does that mean for you?

I encourage you to think honestly about your balance and coordination, no matter what age you are or your level of fitness and and ask yourself can I improve it? Why? Because the answer is we all can, and should, ensure we add strength training in to our day to day activities to ensure we give ourselves the best chance of minimising falls and living stable lives because we have good balance and coordination.

Christina, at CF Fitness is qualified as a Personal Trainer specialising in strength and conditioning working with clients with long term health conditions and exercise referral as well as working with clients who want to improve their strength and wellbeing.

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