Does Weight Lifting Make a Better Athlete?

JRstriker12 · 02-29-2008, 07:42 AM

An intersting article.

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/28/he...pagewanted=all

Seems like for the most part, weight training does benefit athletic performance (duh!!), but I don't know why they seem to focus so much on long distance runners. Yeah, weight lifting may or may not improve your marathon time, but look at the benefits of weight training for so many other sports.

Rickson · 02-29-2008, 07:50 AM

Again with this thread?

The_Spartan · 02-29-2008, 07:53 AM

This is one of those No **** sherlock threads; drinking water is good for you ?

JRstriker12 · 02-29-2008, 08:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rickson

Again with this thread?

Just wanted to post the article. Not arguing anything.

stormholloway · 02-29-2008, 09:52 AM

If he has a new NY Times article then it's a new issue altogether.

Then again, that link didn't work for me.

chess9 · 02-29-2008, 09:52 AM

Well, I'm glad you posted the article. This is an old article of faith-that lifting doesn't help your sport-in a few circles still. I hear the question all the time from runners, cylists, triathletes.

The best reason to lift is because it makes you strong. Strong people resist injuries, can defend themselves, including running if necessary, and LOOK much better.

I'll take a woman with a hard body any day...or night!

-Robert

JRstriker12 · 02-29-2008, 10:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stormholloway

If he has a new NY Times article then it's a new issue altogether.

Then again, that link didn't work for me.

Try this link - registration may be required: http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/28/he...on/28BEST.html

Rickson · 02-29-2008, 10:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JRstriker12

Just wanted to post the article. Not arguing anything.

Not arguing, just wondering why you posted the same thread from odds & ends.

same thread

JRstriker12 · 02-29-2008, 10:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rickson

Not arguing, just wondering why you posted the same thread from odds & ends.

same thread

Oh! I didn't see that thread. Besides, I chose the proper forum

Rickson · 02-29-2008, 10:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JRstriker12

Oh! I didn't see that thread. Besides, I chose the proper forum

Yes that's true.

Rickson · 03-05-2008, 07:24 PM

Almost every modern day athlete lifts weights so you'd better believe there's a connection.

CanadianChic · 03-05-2008, 07:25 PM

I think it depends on the sport.

MegacedU · 03-05-2008, 07:26 PM

Lifting weights will be beneficial, but you must remember to stretch afterwards, otherwise you lose flexibility which is also important for a solid non-injury prone athlete.

CanadianChic · 03-05-2008, 07:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MegacedU

Lifting weights will be beneficial, but you must remember to stretch afterwards, otherwise you lose flexibility which is also important for a solid non-injury prone athlete.

I agree, but will also add that I feel stretching prior to lifting is as if not more important. Which brings to mind Yoga or Pilates as a general strengthening and toning (as opposed to bulking) of the muscles.

Rickson · 03-05-2008, 07:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CanadianChic

I agree, but will also add that I feel stretching prior to lifting is as if not more important. Which brings to mind Yoga or Pilates as a general strengthening and toning (as opposed to bulking) of the muscles.

CC, I hate to tell you this, but...

CanadianChic · 03-05-2008, 07:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rickson

CC, I hate to tell you this, but...

Haha. I knew you would spot this and perhaps have a little something to offer on the benefits of weight lifting Ricky. What would you do on this forum without my constant attention?

Rickson · 03-05-2008, 08:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CanadianChic

Haha. I knew you would spot this and perhaps have a little something to offer on the benefits of weight lifting Ricky. What would you do on this forum without my constant attention?

Here's the thing. Static stretching is not recommended prior to lifting weights due to its relaxation of the muscles. Dynamic stretching has been recommended in recent times, but that's sort of an advanced type of stretching that gymnasts and martial artists use. As a trainer, I'd have my clients ride the stationary bike or jump on a treadmill for a few minutes before our training sessions. The warmup prepared the muscles for the rigors of weight training and stretching was done after a quick bike or treadmill which we call the cooldown. In summary: Warm up on the treadmill or stationary bike, lift weights, cool down on the bike or treadmill once again, and finally we stretch.

CanadianChic · 03-05-2008, 08:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rickson

Here's the thing. Static stretching is not recommended prior to lifting weights due to its relaxation of the muscles. Dynamic stretching has been recommended in recent times, but that's sort of an advanced type of stretching that gymnasts and martial artists use. As a trainer, I'd have my clients ride the stationary bike or jump on a treadmill for a few minutes before our training sessions. The warmup prepared the muscles for the rigors of weight training and stretching was done after a quick bike or treadmill which we call the cooldown. In summary: Warm up on the treadmill or stationary bike, lift weights, cool down on the bike or treadmill once again, and finally we stretch.

Okay. I won't dispute that as I'm not a weight lifter by any stretch of the imagination. I stand humbly corrected.

Rickson · 03-05-2008, 08:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CanadianChic

Okay. I won't dispute that as I'm not a weight lifter by any stretch of the imagination. I stand humbly corrected.

I just don't want you to hurt yourself. Know what I mean?

02-29-2008, 07:42 AM	#1
JRstriker12 Hall Of Fame Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 3,248	Does Weight Lifting Make a Better Athlete? An intersting article. http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/28/he...pagewanted=all Seems like for the most part, weight training does benefit athletic performance (duh!!), but I don't know why they seem to focus so much on long distance runners. Yeah, weight lifting may or may not improve your marathon time, but look at the benefits of weight training for so many other sports. __________________ Ludacris: My chick bad! Tell me if you seen her. She always brings the racket like Venus and Serena!

02-29-2008, 07:53 AM	#3
The_Spartan New User Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 52	This is one of those No **** sherlock threads; drinking water is good for you ? __________________ FP: Spadea, Djokovic, Nalbandian, Nadal, Moja, Henin, Ivanovich, Capriati = ( - Racquet: Prince Shark Midplus - Shoes: Barricade - USTA: 4.0

02-29-2008, 09:52 AM	#6
chess9 Hall Of Fame Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: 1.d4 Posts: 4,275	Well, I'm glad you posted the article. This is an old article of faith-that lifting doesn't help your sport-in a few circles still. I hear the question all the time from runners, cylists, triathletes. The best reason to lift is because it makes you strong. Strong people resist injuries, can defend themselves, including running if necessary, and LOOK much better. I'll take a woman with a hard body any day...or night! -Robert __________________ "Love is the irresistible desire to be irresistibly desired."-Frost

03-05-2008, 07:25 PM	#12
CanadianChic Hall Of Fame Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Living in the land of Glyph. Posts: 2,296	I think it depends on the sport. __________________ I enjoy a good sandwich and nothing revs up a sandwich more than oil soaked sundried tomatoes.

03-05-2008, 07:26 PM	#13
MegacedU Professional Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Mall, duh. Posts: 1,288	Lifting weights will be beneficial, but you must remember to stretch afterwards, otherwise you lose flexibility which is also important for a solid non-injury prone athlete. __________________ I would like to move to Miami so that snow won't keep me from playing tennis outside. Imagine the tan lines!