You have now learned the importance and benefits of weight training and cardiovascular activity. Decide which athlete might use the least amount of weight training in his
daily training routine and explain why.
Based on the given information, an athlete who may use the least amount of weight training in their daily training routine is a long-distance runner.
Long-distance running primarily focuses on enhancing aerobic endurance and cardiovascular fitness rather than building muscle strength. The repetitive nature of running for extended periods requires strong endurance and energy efficiency rather than relying on heavy muscle strength. As a result, long-distance runners tend to prioritize cardiovascular training rather than weight training.
Weight training often involves exercises like resistance training with heavyweights or weight machines, which mainly target muscle strength and hypertrophy. These activities can bulk up muscles and add bodyweight, which is not always advantageous for long-distance runners.
Additionally, as weight training tends to focus on specific muscle groups and power output, athletes engaged in long-distance running might perceive it as a secondary priority to their comprehensive training program. Time spent on weight training could instead be allocated to activities like long runs, hill sprints, interval training, or mobility exercises that are more directly related to improving their running performance.
It is important to note that while weight training might not be the central focus of a long-distance runner's training routine, incorporating some strength training exercises can still provide benefits. These can include exercises targeting the core, lower body stability, and injury prevention, which can enhance running form and overall performance. However, in comparison to athletes from other sports that rely on significant muscle strength, a long-distance runner might generally allocate minimal time to weight training in their daily training routine.
You have now learned the importance and benefits of weight training and cardiovascular activity. Decide which athlete might use the least amount of weight training in his/her preparation
Football Player
Wrestler
Baseball Player
Cross-Country Runner
Among the given options, a cross-country runner might use the least amount of weight training in their preparation.
Cross-country running is a long-distance sport that primarily focuses on developing aerobic endurance, cardiovascular fitness, and running economy. The nature of the sport requires athletes to maintain a steady pace for an extended period, rather than relying on bursts of speed or heavy physical contact like in football, wrestling, or baseball.
Weight training for cross-country runners is generally not a primary focus but rather serves as a supplementary training method to enhance core stability, muscular imbalances, injury prevention, and overall body strength. The emphasis in cross-country training is often on running-specific workouts such as long-distance runs, interval training, hill workouts, or tempo runs, which target aerobic capabilities and running economy.
While some cross-country runners may incorporate a limited amount of weight training for these secondary purposes, it is typically less intensive and frequent compared to athletes in sports like football, wrestling, or baseball. These sports require significant bursts of strength, power, and muscle mass, which necessitate higher volumes and intensities of weight training in their preparation.
It is important to note that each athlete's training program may vary depending on individual needs, goals, and coach recommendations. Some cross-country runners may still include weight training exercises, particularly targeting specific weaknesses or areas prone to injury. However, in comparison to the other listed athletes, the time and priority given to weight training in a cross-country runner's preparation would likely be relatively lower.