Does weight-lifting make a better athlete? (NYTimes article)

[jaykay]

See http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/28/he..._r=1&th&emc=th

Ano: What do you think?

What would be the response to this question in the context of tennis?

[Topaz]

^^^If you want Ano to see this, you might have better luck in the Health and Fitness forum.

[The_Spartan]

Anyone who thinks weight training will not make you a better athelete is dumber than brick.

One musn't be a Cyborg in strength training, but muscle strength and development is crucial.

Why am I wasting my breath ?

Aghhhhhhhhhhhh.

Does a bear sh*t in the woods ?!

[sapient007]

proper weight lifting for the specific sport. in general it's always good to have a strong core.

i'm trying merging my beer 6 pack into one large beer pack as we speak.

[Rickson]

Originally Posted by jaykay

See http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/28/he..._r=1&th&emc=th

Ano: What do you think?

What would be the response to this question in the context of tennis?

Ano posts almost exclusively in the Health & Fitness section.

[ollinger]

The crux of the issue is not whether weight lifting will improve performance but rather whether it is the BEST way to improve performance. The studies cited don't look at enough alternatives.

[SlapShot]

Very good article.

I think that in tennis, you have to balance weight training with flexibility training.

[Ano]

Originally Posted by jaykay

See http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/28/he..._r=1&th&emc=th

Ano: What do you think?

What would be the response to this question in the context of tennis?

Proper weight lifting, designed specifically for a tennis player, will make a better tennis player.

Properly desined training program for tennis player will :

1. Use free weights instead of machines.

2.incorporate prehab exercises such as : single leg work, external rotation for the rotator cuff, scapular stability work, dorsiflexion emphasis, glute activation, or hip abductor attention.

3. Include unilateral and multi-planar exercises.

The majority of strength training programs take place in the sagittal plane with bilateral movements. However the majority of sport (including tennis) takes place in all 3 planes simultaneously with primarily unilateral movements.

EVERY single sports conditioning program should include split squats, step ups and lunge variations. 85% of the gait cycle (walking, running) is spent on one leg. Over 70% of the muscles of the core run in a rotational plane. Does your training program reflect that?

4. etc, etc.

[tricky]

EVERY single sports conditioning program should include split squats, step ups and lunge variations. 85% of the gait cycle (walking, running) is spent on one leg. Over 70% of the muscles of the core run in a rotational plane. Does your training program reflect that?

Personally ambivalent about using unilateral weightlifting modalities as a catch-all for all sports, including tennis. I understand the value in true power-output sports such as football, but I think tennis can benefit from other balance/proprioceptor training systems.