Functional Range
Conditioning for the Athlete
appropriate flexibility training for success in your sport
Riley Dudar, Athletic Director
Athletes and trainers have long worked hard in gaining flexibility,
and are more recently trying to add things like flexibility
programs to their preparation routine. Although there are benefits
to flexibility training, one must now when and how to incorporate
this into your training. Research shows that flexibility training used
inappropriatley and/or at the wrong time will be detrimental to the
success of the athlete. In fact it could lead you being vulnerable to injury.
A joint is safe as long as it has been trained to withstand tension and stress
through it’s usable ranges of motion. Sports are dynamic and unpredictable;
we place our bodies in situations that demand a rapid response and the ability
to withstand variable forces. Using Functional Range Conditioning
(FRC), we can enhance the mobility and load bearing capacity of our
joints, making our bodies better prepared to respond and react to the
dynamic environments of sports, reducing the risk of injury.
If the goal is to increase your performance or durability for sports,
incorporate FRC to acquire and maintain:
• Functional mobility
• Joint strength and resilience
• Body control
• Articular health and longevity
Make a smart choice on
sport specific training
Athletes these days are specializing in a sport at younger and younger ages all the time by
choosing to play one sport in favour of a variety of others. This may or not be your child, but it
is important to consider the benefits and the potential problems this type of pathway will yield.
There is no doubt that pre pubescent athletes are becoming better at their sport by adding sport
specific skill and strength training programs at a younger age. If your young athlete has the talent to
be great, the question you need to consider is this: Do I want them to experience short term success at a young age, while
increasing the risk of a potential nagging joint or soft tissue injury at an older age? Or foster the growth of their bodies
natural development by focusing on developing the largest physical, mental and athletic base possible, to build a well
rounded athlete that is durable and resilient to injury for many years to come? Developing your craft in one way or another
year round is great, but studies show that supplementing this with sport specific training at a young age can accelerate
your potential for injury. It is important to discuss with your development coaches about the bigger picture plan for your
child’s development and have him or her teach you the importance of developing a well rounded athlete vs. a sport specific
training method.
• Elite Development • Sport Academies • Learn to Train • FUNdamentals • Team Sessions
United Therapies Strive
Unit 2-1140 Waverley Street • Winnipeg • 204-474-1320
www.strivetraining.ca
@striveatunited
United Therapies Strive
@striveunited
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