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Training for Power in Your Swim Spa
When you mention power training to the average person they primarily think about athletes performing insane movements such as jumping onto very high boxes.
But Power is simply defined as the ability to move or travel with great speed or force.
So power training for an athlete looks much different from that of the average person.
As I wrote about last week, people lose up to 30% of their muscle strength between the ages of 50 and 70.
But even more staggering is as people age they lose power almost twice as fast as they lose strength!
When talking to my clients about he difference between strength and power the easiest example that I give is:
Strength will let you be able to walk across the street.
Power will let you get you across street fast enough without getting hit by a car!
Power also contributes to moving your legs faster after losing your balance or slamming on your cars brakes to avoid an accident, climbing stairs, rising from chair to mention a few.
Both power and strength training are important and need to go hand in hand.
Using your swim spa for power training is very safe and effective. Here’s Why:
The supportive properties that the water provides will significantly decrease the weight bearing on your joints. Most anyone can perform at least small quick jumps in the water without injuring themselves which will improve power.
Water provides an accommodating resistance when working on power training and moving faster in the water you will receive a greater training effect.
Using your swim spa current or jets will allow you to grade the amount of resistance for more of a strength and power challenge.
If your swim spa has a treadmill, performing various speed training can be very helpful with improving power.
An easy tip to train for power in your swim spa is remember to perform exercises at different speeds. For example if you are performing a walking forward exercise. Work 2 laps at a slower pace then 2 laps at a medium pace and then 2 laps really fast.
This will cause your neurological system to receive different input and improve your overall power.
Incorporating power training into your aquatic training program can help delay the loss of power so common in the aging process. It will help reduce your likelihood of injury ,improve your overall activities of daily living and quality of life.
Dr. Rick McAvoy, PT, DPT, CSCS has specialized in Aquatic Physical Therapy, Fitness and Sports Performance for over 25 years. Rick is the Owner of Swim Spa Exercise, a virtual training company to help people maximize the use of their swim spas. He wants everyone to Move Better and Live Better.
For more information of how to maximize the use of your Swim Spa and how to Move Better and Live Better visit.
