Why Women Should Train for Power

Many women focus on cardio training or traditional strength training as a part of their exercise routines. One of the most overlooked components of general fitness and healthy aging however, is power training.

Power training refers to the ability to produce force quickly, essentially it is strength plus speed. This might look like:

• Squats with speed
• Medicine ball throws
• Jump board exercises on the Reformer
• Kettle bell swings
• Plyometric/jumping movements
• Step-ups

Day to day these movements are important for activities/movements such as:

• Sitting-standing quickly from a chair
• Stepping quickly to prevent a fall
• Jumping, sprinting and change of direction
• Lifting and carrying objects efficiently

 

Why is power training especially important for women?

1. Promoting healthy aging and bone health

• Muscle power declines faster than strength as we age

• Training for power helps to support bone density, reducing risk of osteoporosis

• Improves reaction time and balance helping to maintain independence and prevent falls risk

2. Injury prevention

• Supports joints and movement control by improving muscle activation and coordination

• Can reduce risk of common injuries in life and sports by improving agility, acceleration, jumping and landing mechanics, and athletic confidence.

3. Confidence and empowerment (if not the MOST important!)

• Women often underestimate the benefits of lifting and explosive movement training.

• Power training can help women feel:

  • Stronger

  • Confident in different movements

  • Physically resilient and capable

 

Debunking the Myths

Myth 1: “Power training is only for athletes”

Everyone needs power in their day to day lives!

Myth 2: “I need to jump to power train”

Power training can be performed with low-impact and beginner-options!

Myth 3: “Power training is unsafe”

When programmed by a Physiotherapist in a graded and appropriate manner, power training is very safe AND adaptable!

 

So, how can the team at Flex Sports Physiotherapy help?

At Flex, we help women build strength, POWER and confidence. Whether your focus is healthy aging, improving bone health, enhancing performance or returning from injury, we can help you build a tailored strength and power program that feels both achievable and sustainable for you!

Click here to book your Initial Clinical Strength Consultation.