Beginner Triathletes and Weight Training

Beginner Triathletes and Weight Training

Weight training for the beginner triathlete has to be given careful consideration when one is first setting out on their triathlon career. For some people it’s a great idea and for some it might be a better idea to leave weight training in the beginning and spend their time working on their swim, bike, and run technique and endurance. There are several things to consider as you set up your very first training program when it comes to what you should include as part of your training routine.

<b>LEVEL OF ABILITY</b>

First of all what is your level of ability in swimming, biking, and running. This is a major determining factor when setting up your training schedule. For example, some people have to learn how to swim from scratch. This will take quite a lot of extra time for the first year or so of training in order to become proficient and confident in the water. Others may completely new to road bikes and tri bikes and will need to spend extra time learning proper cycling technique. This extra time often does not leave any room for the extras like weight training.

<b>TIME COMMITMENT</b>

There are those who have decided they want to cross that Ironman finish line and because of family and work commitments simply have a limited amount of time to spend on training. That will mean utilizing the time they have to the best of their ability. Often this does not leave room for any activity besides swimming, biking, and running. I have met many people who have one year to take one shot at the Ironman and then that’s it, so it might make more sense that triathlon weight training may not make sense for every beginner triathlete.

<b>POSSIBLE INJURY</b>

Many people suffer injuries in weight rooms because they make a few classic mistakes. They lift too much weight too soon or they use improper technique. A great example is the squat. If it’s done properly, it can be a valuable part of the triathlon weight training for the beginner triathlete. Squats can add strength and endurance to the big muscle groups that are so essential for the bike and the run portions of any triathlon. However, make just one mistake in lifting form, or by lifting more than you can handle often causes back injuries that can take forever to get better.

So really, it’s up to each beginner triathlete to determine for themselves if triathlon weight training is for them. Weigh the pros and cons and consider the time you have available according to your skill level in swimming, biking, and running as you begin your triathlon career. Also consider the amount of time you may need to spend learning how to weight lift properly.

Will you be a better triathlete because of weight training? Yes, I believe it can have quite a positive impact on how one trains, races, and recovers in the sport of triathlon. Just make sure triathlon weight training for triathletes is a good fit for you. It may be something you can incorporate into your training should you decided to have an extended triathlon career and once you have become more proficient as swimming, biking, and running.

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