Why In-Season Strength Training is Essential for Athletes
For many athletes and their parents, the idea of continuing strength training during the season can be a bit confusing.
Won’t lifting weights lead to fatigue?
Could it increase the risk of injury?
Shouldn’t all the focus be on skill development and competition?
The truth is, proper in-season strength training is not only safe—it’s essential for maintaining performance, reducing injury risk, and ensuring an athlete peaks at the right time rather than burning out.
Strength Training is a Year-Round Process
The best athletes don’t just train during the off-season—they train smart all year long. The off-season is a critical time for building strength, power, and movement efficiency, setting the foundation for success when the season starts.
But once competition begins, the focus shifts from building to maintaining and fine-tuning that strength so athletes stay sharp, explosive, and injury-resistant. If an athlete has done solid off-season work, in-season training allows them to hold onto those gains and perform at their best when it matters most.
That said, it’s never too late to start. Even if you didn’t train in the off-season, in-season strength work can still help you move better, stay strong, and minimize injury risk.
What Makes In-Season Strength Training Different?
An in-season program is NOT the same as an off-season strength program. The key is adjusting intensity, volume, and exercise selection to complement, not compete with, an athlete’s sport.
Correct Loading: A professional coach ensures that weight selection, sets, and reps are appropriate to maintain strength without overtaxing the body. This helps prevent excessive soreness or fatigue on game days.
Minimized Training Days: In-season strength training doesn’t require long, exhausting gym sessions. A few focused workouts per week (typically 1-2 days) are enough to sustain power and prevent regression.
Sport-Specific Programming: Strength training during the season should be targeted and strategic—supporting the demands of the sport, reinforcing movement mechanics, and maintaining mobility without interfering with competition readiness.
The Goal: Peaking, Not Burning Out
The biggest misconception about in-season training is that it should be limited or abandoned to avoid fatigue. In reality, properly structured training helps athletes feel stronger, fresher, and more prepared for peak performance.
A well-designed program ensures that:
✔️ Athletes maintain strength and power instead of losing it.
✔️ Workouts enhance recovery, not add unnecessary stress.
✔️ The body stays resilient and less prone to injury.
✔️ Athletes peak at the right time rather than fading as the season progresses.
Our Approach as Coaches: Train With Purpose
Athletes don’t just need a training program—they need the right training program.
Our philosophy has always been that strength training isn’t just about lifting weights—it’s about moving well, building confidence, and training with purpose. Every athlete is different, and their training should reflect that. Whether it’s adjusting for an athlete’s position, previous injuries, or game schedule, the details matter.
That’s why working with a qualified strength coach makes all the difference. The goal isn’t just to work hard—it’s to train smart, so athletes can perform at their highest level while staying healthy.
If you're an athlete (or a parent of one), or a coach looking for the right training program for your sport and your goals, let's talk!
Whether it’s in-season or off-season, strength training should always have a place in your game plan.