We are excited to announce our new “Athlete for Life” program. This service will be offered at all of our Allan McGavin Sports Medicine Clinic locations and is designed by our Registered Kinesiologist Matt Kore with input from our Physiotherapists.

Age-related loss in muscle mass, termed sarcopenia, can occur at a rate of 1-5% per year from the age of 30¹. However, this rate is heavily determined by levels of physical activity¹. Current research has shown that this loss in strength and muscle mass can be countered through resistance training².

Additionally, strength training programs have proven injury prevention results rarely achieved by other interventions³. Appropriately planned strength training sessions have been shown to reduce sport injuries by an average of 66 percent, well above other singular exercise interventions such as stretching⁴.

This 7-session program delivered by our kinesiologists is designed to increase strength and power, while reducing your sport injury risk so you can keep participating in the recreational sports you enjoy!

The program includes:

• An initial intake session to discuss program goals and complete initial movement screens in order to create your program
• 6 guided exercise sessions with one of our kinesiologists
• A take-home strength program designed for your level of experience and access to equipment
• Proper instruction on various strength and plyometric exercises
• A trained professional to hold you accountable to your program

Additional benefits of strength training include:

• Improved athletic performance⁵
• Increased muscle size⁵
• Improved cardiovascular health⁵
• Increased bone density⁵
• Improved mental well-being⁶
• Increased energy levels⁶
• Improved sleep quality⁶

References

¹ Avers, D., & Brown, M. (2009). White paper: strength training for the older adult. Journal of Geriatric Physical Therapy, 32(4), 148-152.

² Fragala, M. S., Cadore, E. L., Dorgo, S., Izquierdo, M., Kraemer, W. J., Peterson, M. D., & Ryan, E. D. (2019). Resistance training for older adults: position statement from the national strength and conditioning association. The Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research, 33(8).

³ Lauersen, J. B., Andersen, T. E., & Andersen, L. B. (2018). Strength training as superior, dose-dependent and safe prevention of acute and overuse sports injuries: a systematic review, qualitative analysis and meta-analysis. British journal of sports medicine, 52(24), 1557-1563.

⁴ Lauersen, J. B., Bertelsen, D. M., & Andersen, L. B. (2014). The effectiveness of exercise interventions to prevent sports injuries: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. British journal of sports medicine, 48(11), 871-877.

⁵ Maestroni, L., Read, P., Bishop, C., Papadopoulos, K., Suchomel, T. J., Comfort, P., & Turner, A. (2020). The benefits of strength training on musculoskeletal system health: practical applications for interdisciplinary care. Sports Medicine, 50(8), 1431-1450.

⁶ O’Connor, P. J., Herring, M. P., & Caravalho, A. (2010). Mental health benefits of strength training in adults. American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine, 4(5), 377-396.