Load Management
Over the past few years, the term and implementation of 'load management' has become popularized in the NBA.
Load management is when a healthy player is held out of playing in a game for rest or precautionary reasons. This is done for the purpose of avoiding long-term fatigue and injuries. This call is made by the athletic trainer, PT/Chiro or coach, with some input from the players themselves.
Load management is a controversial topic. Fans don't like it, because it means that oftentimes the team's best (and most handsomely paid) players are sitting on the bench for no apparent reason. If you paid to see the Lakers play at home, you'd understandably be a little ticked off if LeBron was sitting on the bench decked out in a Gucci tracksuit for "load management" reasons.
I'd argue though, that load management is important for all individuals, both in terms of too much load AND too little. The go-go-go competitive mentality of the professional athlete can force them to push beyond their physiologically limits, despite a lack of sleep and changing time zones. So, they need someone to police them a bit. This high level intensity is undoubtedly how greatness is achieved, but it takes a big-picture thinker to support an athlete through an entire career. This is why we have coaches and therapists -- to manage load.
In the everyday population, what I notice is that people are most often UNDER-loaded. They both underestimate the physical demands of their daily lives and underestimate their strength capabilities. Chronic under-load yields negative health outcomes, just like chronic overload. I can't tell you how many patients with lower back pain look at me like I have 3 heads when I ask them to squat with a 25 pound dumbbell, or deadlift for fear of pain -- but will pick up their 25 lb 2-year old from the car, the ground, the stroller etc. -- without a second thought.
Load is nothing to be afraid of; what you need to be mindful of is the appropriate amount of load for your body. To re-purpose the infamous FDR quote: "The only thing we have to fear [from load] is fear [of the load] itself.”
If you are actively participating in some form of resistance training (ie., more than bodyweight focused exercise), then I recommend you check out Sarah's Strength Club. You won't have to worry about over or under doing it - as coach, load management is Sarah's job!
It is the perfect intro or refresher to safe and functional strength training. You may surprise yourself, and realize you are MUCH stronger than you think you are. This semi-private class setting is perfect for the individual who wants the benefits of a group class with personalized instruction.
Classes are $65 per session, taking place on Tuesdays at 6 PM. There are ONLY TWO SPOTS remaining in the May series, taking place at 6 PM on May 2, 9, 16 and 23rd. Click the link below to secure your spot today!
And for those of you watching -- enjoy the NBA playoffs!