Understanding Absolute and Relative Strength for Masters Athletes
As a masters athlete, you've likely heard the mantra, "Strength is key to success." But here's a secret: not all strength is created equal. While absolute strength—how much weight you can lift—gets a lot of attention, it's relative strength—your strength in proportion to your body weight—that often makes the difference in athletic performance.
Why Does This Matter?
Think about it: If you're adding weight to the bar every week but also packing on body mass, are you really getting stronger? Sure, your numbers might go up, but if your new size slows you down, makes you less agile, or hinders your ability to move with precision, you're not gaining the kind of strength that translates into better athletic performance.
Consider athletes who excel in sports that require speed, power, and agility. These athletes aren’t necessarily the biggest, but they are incredibly strong relative to their size. They can move their bodies efficiently, generate explosive power, and outmanoeuvre their competition—all thanks to exceptional relative strength.
The Diminishing Returns of Chasing Absolute Strength
At some point, chasing bigger and bigger numbers in the gym can lead to diminishing returns, especially for masters athletes. As we age, recovery becomes more challenging, and the risk of injury increases. Investing all your resources into lifting heavier might come at the cost of other critical components of athletic performance, like mobility, endurance, technique and recovery.
For example, if a 90-kilogram athlete squats 184 kilograms, they’re lifting over twice their body weight—a strong and impressive feat. But if that same athlete gains 11 kilograms to squat 193, their relative strength decreases, which could negatively impact their performance in sports that require quick, agile movements.
Finding the Right Balance
Strength training is undeniably important, but it’s crucial to strike a balance that works for your body and your sport. For many masters athletes, focusing on maintaining or slightly improving relative strength while optimizing other aspects of fitness—like flexibility, coordination, and recovery—will yield better results than simply chasing bigger and bigger numbers in the gym.
Remember, the goal isn’t just to be strong - it’s to be strong enough to perform at your best in your sport. So next time you're tempted to load up the bar, ask yourself: "Is this making me a better athlete, or just a stronger lifter?"
If you are eager to explore how strength training can transform your performance contact Coach Dave at +61426205277 or dave@masterscoaching.com.au
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