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Triathlon Training at Armor Physical Therapy
People compete in triathlons for many reasons, like being the first to cross the finish line or to accomplish a new personal achievement — or simply for the fun of it. Regardless of why you would want to participate in a triathlon, one thing that each triathlete can face is a limitation.
Triathlons demand the best performance your body can offer. The triathlon activities — swimming, biking, and running — use different parts of your body in unique ways that require significant strength, endurance, and focus. You cannot muster up this kind of ability from willpower alone. You need specific triathlon training.
What does triathlon training do?
You may be a fit runner, but are you a strong swimmer? You might be able to ride a bike, but can you do it over multiple inclines for miles? Every athlete has his or her strengths, but a triathlon will challenge the areas you are weak in as well as the ones in which you are strong.
Triathlon training can help triathletes fine-tune their strong points and hone their skills in areas that need improvement. There are many plans online that you can follow for generic training advice, but the best training you can get is from a professional who works one on one with you to identify your areas of need and the kind of training that will improve your performance. This is what we offer at Armor Physical Therapy.
Why should a triathlete train with a physical therapist?
Physical therapists are a great choice for triathlon training because of their knowledge of the human body. Physical therapists are trained and experienced in helping people recover from injuries, helping people overcome challenging physical conditions, helping athletes train for sports and more.
Triathlon training at Armor Physical Therapy looks different for each person based on individual needs and goals. Usually, our triathlon training focuses on:
- Improving stride— We use gait evaluation technology in our clinics to help identify how your feet strike the ground, how they roll and how your joints, muscles, ligaments, and tendons work together when you run. This can help us determine any improvements to your form that you need to make, as well recommending footwear and orthotics you may need.
- Improving strength— A triathlon is primarily an endurance sport, so the goal of strength training isn’t to bulk you up but to increase your muscles’ ability to perform over time. This will help you get to the finish line and will help lower your risk for injury.
- Improving flexibility— Stretching and warming up properly can help your muscles, ligaments, and joints for endurance performance. This is especially important since the three sports involved in a triathlon challenge your muscles, ligaments, and joints in different ways, so you will want to be prepared.
- Improving coordination and focus— With a professionally guided training routine from a physical therapist, you can get more in tune with your body. You will be better prepared to know when to push harder or when you need to slow down or even stop to avoid getting hurt.
Specialty Services “Geared” for Triathletes
Armor Physical Therapy has had a long-standing partnership with different triathlon clubs, high performance training facilities, specialty running shoe store and bicycle shops in the greater Kalamazoo area. Our goal is to be part of your team to provide key specialty services that any triathlete may need.
- We will work closely with your triathlon coach, sports nutritionist, sport psychologist, massage therapist or any other health care professional as part of your “personal team” to get you to the finish line!
- Video gait analysis may be necessary to assist with injury management, injury reduction or performance enhancement including recommendations on form, cadence, footwear, or the need for custom foot orthotics.
- AlterG (anti-gravity) treadmill to assist with supplementing those longer runs or speed work outs with body-reduced training sessions.
- Biomechanical evaluations for proper bike fit may be necessary if you are having trouble getting comfortable or a history of over-use injuries on your road or time trial (triathlon) bike.
Contact Armor Physical Therapy for triathlon training
If you are interested in competing in a triathlon, it is best to start training now! Complete triathlon training can take months of dedication and work. Contact us today to get more information about our specialty services for any triathlete at one of our seven convenient locations in Battle Creek, East Kalamazoo, Kalamazoo/Oshtemo, Mattawan, Plainwell, Portage, and Schoolcraft, MI.
