Everyone is aware of the benefits of routine, consistent exercise: it improves mobility, reduces the risk of a wide range of health problems, and improves overall quality of life. If you’re an athlete, however, you experience different obstacles in your day-to-day existence. For example, 65% of injuries come from overuse; the strengthening of muscles through powerlifting can prevent such injuries and allow your body to be pushed farther than ever before, opening up new opportunities to be successful in your field. Here are three reasons to get involved in powerlifting if you’re already an active athlete.
- Maximum strength training: Powerlifting improves muscle function and capabilities through the use of squats, bench presses, and deadlifts. If your sport of choice involves running, such as soccer or cross country racing, focusing on strength training that builds muscle specifically in your legs means that you’ll be able to go faster for longer, and without expending as much energy. Knee sleeves and knee wraps help support your thigh muscles during deadlifts so you can push through heavier weights and focus on more intense training.
- Prevents injury further on: Powerlifting, especially when using the right equipment like wrist wraps or weight lifting belts, strengthens the main muscles used for bodily support (such as those in the lower back, hips, and ankles); if you speak with anyone who experiences chronic pain, those are the regions that are suffering. As an athlete, injury can severely hinder performance and may even force you to drop out of competitions. With the proper dedication to building and maintaining strength in those vital parts of the body, you’ll see an improvement in your career as well as your day-to-day life.
- Builds confidence: Winning a game or setting a new personal best is a thrilling experience, but that feeling doesn’t just have to come from competition. Completing an arduous set of reps can have a euphoric effect on the body, mentally and physically, and will inherently make you feel more confident and self-assured in your physical abilities. Believing in yourself is as important as your physical prowess when it comes to competing, so it’s vital that you not underestimate your mental state.
What are you waiting for? Grab some wrist wraps and a support belt and get to work making your body stronger than ever.