Five Tools All Athletes Should Be Using To Boost Their Performance And Recovery
Posted by PredatorAdmin at 12:58 20/01/12
1. Chalk
The use of chalk to improve grip leads to the ability to impart more force against the bar due to less friction and eliminates the possibility of hands sweating. Any strength athlete will tell you that using chalk is worth several kg in extra weight lifted. If you don't use chalk try it and be surprised at how much easier exercises ranging from bench press to squats feel.
2. Foam Rollers
Who doesn't get sore after a few months of continuous training? The answer is people who don't train hard enough. For everyone else, as you train with heavier weights and more volume you will begin to develop tightness and scar tissue build up which leads to inhibited range of motion, pain or stiffness both during training and after. Using a foam roller before training is a great way to avoid this and helps you recruit more muscle fibres and keeps you healthy over the long haul.
3. Straps
Straps are frowned upon by some macho types but did you know even elite level Olympic lifters will use straps to protect their hands during training and that the use of straps by bodybuilders can lead to a greater overload on the muscles of the back without the constant worry of the bar sliding or grip strength failing on exercises like deadlifts. To avoid losing grip strength employ straps only for your heaviest sets.
4. Ice/Heat
Ever feel the signs of tenderness in the joints that are associated with inflammation and pain? It you ever get this kind of pain after training then you should be icing your joints after training to reduce inflammation. At the same time, ensure you warmup any sore joints thoroughly before training. Not only will you lift more but you will help to improve blood flow and keep your body healthy.
5. Belts
Although belts can be overused by some trainees their use for heavy, maximal efforts on deadlifts and squats is pretty much mandatory if you want to lift the most weight you can possibly lift. By giving a boost to core strength a good weightlifting belt helps keep your core stable allowing for greater force potential leading to a greater performance. Keep it back for maximal efforts though to ensure you do not become reliant on them.
Author: Reggie Johal
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