Professional triathlon coaches number one commonly asked question is “what does it take to go from the couch to training for a sprint triathlon?” This question must be answered on an individual basis but there are several factors that a person can consider before they start training for a sprint triathlon.
What is my base level of fitness?
A person may consider themselves to be coming off the couch but this doesn’t necessarily mean they have no base level of fitness. Do you work at a physically demanding job that requires you to have some level of energy and fitness already or do you sit in a cubicle behind a desk all day? A person that has a general level of fitness from everyday life can usually get right into training for a sprint triathlon. A person that is overweight and needs to lose weight first will want to consult their doctor first. Then they should work on generating a general level of fitness through walking, swimming and concentrating on eating healthier.
The great thing about a triathlon training program is that all three legs of the race can be used for generating a base level of fitness. A person that isn’t ready to run can take up a walking program. A person that isn’t ready to ride a bike triathlon distances can use a stationary to exercise at a proper pace. Swimming is great exercise for any individual even if it means only swimming a few laps and that is all a person can handle.
In other words, training for a sprint triathlon can be done by a person of any fitness level, even if that means taking it in smaller increments and not performing the sports with triathlon technique. A person that is overweight is best served by starting some form of swimming program since it has little impact on the bones and joints. Weight loss can also be achieved more rapidly since swimming involves so many of the muscles of the body.
Training for a sprint triathlon is a great way to get in or stay in shape since it focuses on so many different muscle groups and works them in different manners. It would be good for any beginner triathlete to consult a doctor before starting a triathlon training program since physically strenuous activities can bring on unexpected physical problems. There are very few people that wouldn’t be benefited by training for a sprint triathlon.
Tags: sport, sprint triathlon