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3.4. Strength: Definition

Medicine ball throw
Carmen GarcĂ­a and Manuel Mato. Medicine ball throw (CC BY-NC-SA)

Strength is the physical skill that allows you to overcome or oppose resistance through muscular action.

You use your strength when you move, throw, lift, kick or push something.

Muscles and joints are responsible for strength. For example, you can lift something heavy if your biceps are contracted.

There are 3 types of strength:

  1. Maximal strength.
  2. Strength endurance.
  3. Explosive endurance.

Have a look at the table below to know more about the 3 types of strength.

TYPE OF STRENGTH

DEFINITION

EXAMPLE

Maximal strength

Body's ability to move a maximum load.

Weightlifting athletic discipline.

Strength endurance

Keep the same level of strength for an activity.

Canoeing, cycling or long-distance swimming.

Explosive endurance

Keep the same level of strength with the maximum speed and the shortest time.

The long standing jump, the discus throw, the javelin throw.