Off seasons are meant for training. Getting an athletes body ready for the grueling ups and downs of the upcoming season. For the SHS girls track team, this means extended time in the weight room.

Usually, a person wouldn’t think lifting weights would help track athletes, according to strength and conditioning coach Clint Frank.

“A lot of track athletes think that lifting weights isn’t going to help them,” Frank said. “First off, it’s just trying to get them to buy in on what we’re doing.”

While in the weight room, Frank stresses the importance of actually lifting weights. Full body compound movements, multi-joint movements and working some of the major muscle groups are among the main focuses of the exercises. However, these activities aren’t just about increasing physique.

An unseen benefit from these tasks is the injury factor. Working these joints and muscles helps with injury prevention during the season, Frank says.

Squats, deadlifts, lunges, bench press and overhead press are all workouts that the track team does while in the weight room.

Right now, the girls are lifting on Tuesdays and Thursdays. While they’re lifting now, Frank doesn’t know if the team will continue lifting as hard as they are now throughout the season.

“I think it will continue during the season,” Frank said. “Important meets and games in any sport are at the end of the season. There’s no reason to peak before the season starts, you wanted to peak and be your best at the end of the season.”