STRONG FOR WHAT?

Did you know there are different types of strength? This month, Ollie explains what strength is needed when – and how to achieve it

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Being strong is all the rage these days. With the benefits of things like grip strength being well-reported in having a positive effect on longevity, and the fact that lifting heavy weights is pretty cool (plus feels great!), strong is definitely the word 'de rigeur'. But not many people actually stop and think about what they are getting strong for - and whether they're putting all their eggs in the wrong (strong) basket.

Strength is a range

When we talk about being “strong” we often think of people lifting really heavy weights. And, while that is certainly a type of strength, it's not exclusively “strong.”

Strength is actually a range. From lifting very heavy weights for a few reps - which is termed maximal strength- to being able to repeatedly lift a lighter load for multiple reps - which is known as strength endurance - both have their uses and place depending what outcome you want.

What are you getting strong for?