Lifting is an important part of the wrestling program. You can always improve on how strong you are. There are many types of lifting programs available. Some important considerations:
1. Strength is built into muscle through high resistance and low repetition. The primary change physiologically is increase in the protein element in the muscle that causes the contraction. (1 to 15 reps)
2. Endurance is built into a muscle through low resistance and high repetition exercises. The physiological changes are increases in the number of capillaries and mitochondria in the muscle, with consequent change in the enzyme action that improves the muscle's endurance.
3. Muscle is composed of two types of fibers, red and white. Red fibers are best adapted for endurance and because of their composition are able to carry on aerobic work efficiently. Red fibers contract slower than do white. White fibers on the other hand are adapted for fast movements and quick energy release (anaerobic work). They tire quickly and are used primarily in fast movement.
a. Red fibers:
b. White fibers:
4. Strength training for wrestlers
a. All successful wrestlers do some type of weight training
b. Purpose of weight training for wrestling
c. An individual can lift weights and gain strength without gaining weight with the right workout and with proper diet.
d. Maintaining of increasing flexibility is essential
e. Making gains
f. All weight training equipment can be used to make positive gains in strength.
g. Split routines
1. Back
2. Chest
3. Shoulders
4. Biceps
5. Triceps
6. Legs
7. Core muscles (lower back and abdominal)
h. Training methods
5. Weightlifting exercises by muscle groups (examples)
a. Back
i. Bent-Over Rows
ii. Lat Pull-Downs
iii. Bent-Over Row - Dumbbells
iv. Back Hyperextensions
b. Chest
i. Bench
ii. Dips
iii. Incline Press
iv. Flies
c. Shoulders
i. Seated Press
ii. Shrugs
iii. Upright Rows
iv. Bent-Over Flies (Dumbbells)
d. Biceps
i. Curls
ii. Reverse Curls
iii. Dumbbell Curls
iv. Chin-Ups
e. Triceps
i. Tricep Extensions
ii. Close-Grip Bench
iii. French Curls
iv. Tricep Extensions (Dumbbell)
f. Legs
i. Leg Extensions
ii. Leg Curls
iii. Squats
iv. Leg Press
6. Weightlifting Minimum Standards