One of the most frequent requests I get from athletes and weekend warriors is to recommend a workout routine for them that will specifically help them perform better at their chosen sport.  Everybody always wants to know what they should be doing in the gym to help them play football or baseball or golf or whatever sport they engage in better.  While there are specific exercises that may benefit a football player more then a golfer and vice versa, it is more important for people to understand that before engaging in sports specific training, it is imparative to develop a general strength foundation.

In his book, “Coan: The Man, the Myth, the Method”, Marty Gallagher asks the question, “Why do we lift weights?”  He answers, “We lift to increase physical strength and muscle size.  No other answer is correct.”  In the same book, Ed Coan states, “I firmly believe that everybody should train basically the same regardless of age, sex, height, weight, degree of fitness, percentage of body fat, etc.  I have a method for developing strength and muscle…Why should you train different from me?”  Who can argue with Ed Coan, he is considered the greatest powerlifter of all time.  Ed has squatted in excess of a 1000 pounds and pulled well over 900 pounds.  In training, Ed once pulled 900 pounds for 2 reps.  His strength cannot be questioned nor can his methods.

Sports specific training has become popular in the United States to the detriment of overall strength.  In Russia, the athlete cannot progress on to sports specific training until he has demonstrated a good overall strength foundation.  Broken down into even simpler terms, you must develop general strength before you can develop specific strength.

General strength is built by sticking to the fundamental lifts like the press, squat and deadlift.  Each one of these lifts requires overall strength and utilizes the fundamental we talk about most, engaging the entire body during every workout.  Yes, the squat for instance primarily targets the lower body but heavy squats require your entire body to be strong.  The same holds true for the press and deadlift.

I appreciate the fact that not everybody is interested in perform powerlifting exercises or engaging in the type of cycling and discipline required to build massively strong muscles.  If you are an athlete though or you are a person who is interested in getting strong, really strong, you absolutely cannot ignore these powerlifting lifts.  Some athletes today would rather participate in the “fun stuff” rather then putting in the hard work required to get strong.  This becomes detrimental to them and hinders their future progress.

I cannot think of a sport in which being strong would not be of some benefit.  Overall strength then can do nothing but make you a better athlete and offer you an advantage over your not so prepared opponent.

Remember, you don’t put up the walls or install the appliances before the foundation of a house is laid.  Similarly, you cannot develop strength in your chosen discipline before you develop generalized, overall strength.  The work is hard and demanding but the dividends paid in the future are priceless.

Kill It!

Dennis

P.S. – Have a question about anything I’m doing, email me and I’ll be more then happy to answer it.  ironkettlebellfitness@gmail.com

Before entering into a fitness routine, especially one that incorporates kettlebells, be sure to consult with your physician or medical professional to be sure you are healthy enough to begin a strength and conditioning regimen.  Be sure to learn the proper way to perform each lift and complete each exercises in strict form employing a spotter when applicable.  In other words, if you hurt yourself, it’s your fault.

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