Find It and Fix It

Many triathletes are heading into the off season now with physical limitations; the very same problems they will finish next season with because they ignore them. They know they have this ‘thing’ with their right leg but they were able to still run and bike pretty well so it can’t be that bad. If ‘pretty well’ is your goal in life then I guess you’re on the right path. However, if your goal is to be the best you can be and to continue doing it for a long time to come, then you better fix the problem. A small strength or mobility issue can very quickly become a big problem that can leave you on the sidelines.

Some athletes aren’t even aware they have a problem so step one is to uncover it. Just as we have an annual physical (you do have an annual physical, right?) I recommend that triathletes have an annual check up with a trainer or Physiotherapist to check their muscular function and mobility. One tool these professionals may use is the Functional Movement Screen. This is a seven test procedure that brilliantly analyzes all of the bodies key muscular and mobility function. If your core is not firing properly, it will show. If your right leg is stronger than the left, it will show. If your left shoulder is lacking mobility, you’ll find out.

Find out what your weaknesses are and now, in the off season, get to work to fix them with strength and mobility exercises. That way, you’ll be stronger, fitter and faster next year and, you’ll be able to continue in triathlon for many years to come. (This post originally appeared on TritonTriathlon.com)