The simple answer is yes!
In fact everyone, not just athletes, should be including strength & conditioning sessions in their weekly routines.
Strong muscles help people remain independent, active & healthy throughout life. After the age of 30 we begin to lose as much as 3% to 8% of muscle mass per decade. After the age of 60 this decline can be even faster!
As S&C is a weight bearing activity it can also help keep bones strong; this is especially important for women as they age e.g. pre menopausal woman lose bone slowly at around 1% a year whereas post menopause this can increase to 3% a year.
Therefore, although muscle & bone loss is an inevitable part of the aging process you can help reduce the rate of decline by strength training 2 or 3 times a week.
More specifically, for endurance athletes S&C can help maintain control of posture, balance & function when moving and so including it in your weekly plan can help you:
- reduce the risk of injury
- address any muscular imbalances
- bring balance to endurance training
- improve your performance