Get ready for Triathlon season: Recharge the body and be stronger and fitter this season.

Aaron Searle, Physiotherapist

With the beginning of triathlon season here, it's time to listen to your body and stop ignoring all those niggles and tweaks that you have pushed down deep during the off season.

As triathletes we push our body to its limits as we try to master three sports, where others struggle to perform one. With the amount of training involved there is bound to be some issues and we tend to prioritise what we enjoy over what is most likely to keep injuries away. In many cases, especially the clients I see in the clinic, it is the strength training and mobility exercises that are neglected for an extra bike or run. 

Statements that I hear a lot in the clinic are:

• I swim, bike and run, why do I need to do strength training?
• Stretching takes too long and is boring!
• I need to run more to get stronger and faster! 

Another anomaly I observe is that triathletes love gadgets and equipment, and will spend a lot on the new equipment, especially when it comes to bikes, in an attempt to save seconds or produce an increase in power ratio. My view, obviously slightly bias, is that some of that money would be better directed at maintaining the machine on top the bike, ‘you’.

Strength and mobility exercises allow our body to adapt and prepare for the increased loads we experience when training periods are ramped up or you’re attempting the PB – whether it be in a sprint or an ironman. 

Due to training for three sports, triathletes are prone to all injuries that could affect runners, cyclists and swimmers. These tend to be overuse injuries, but that doesn't mean acute injuries don't occur. Below are a list of common injuries that are seen with triathletes.      

Common injuries:

• Rotator cuff tendonitis, shoulder pain
• Iliotibial band syndrome
• Patella tendonitis
• Achilles tendonitis  
• Stress fractures 

These injuries are caused by overuse, but also by imbalances in strength and flexibility within the body. This is where an experienced physiotherapist can help you overcome these limitations and allow you to become better at your sports and achieve your goals.

Long side all the gear and gadgets, I feel every triathlete should have a good physiotherapist in their toolbox.

As you prepare for the season ahead, now is the perfect time to find your physio. We’ll support any injuries, make a plan for injury prevention, guide you on becoming a stronger and fitter athlete, and cheer you on before each race.