Many strength and conditioning (S&C) programmes across multiple endurance sports focus on the key movers for their sport. In cycling this can mean the glutes, quads and calf muscles. For rowing there can be an over emphasis on the push over the pull. In running S&C is often completely neglected by the recreational runner and a key component of the the plan for the experienced runner. Whichever example you fall into, an important mainstay of a good programme is balance.
When we begin to develop the body for strength or power, we need balance in our plan. Too much chest work creates a hunch-back of Notre Dame figure (exaggeration), and too much back work does the opposite, to a point. Balance of chest and back work creates a better posture for force development. Rowers need to build the push and pull movements so the upper-body can support the force the lower-body produces. Runners must work the hip flexors, glutes, quads, and hamstrings so that there is good neurological communication concentrically and eccentrically. Novice cyclists will focus on pushing down on the pedals, but an experience cyclist will work the crank through 360 degrees of force with quads and hamstrings. We cannot dismiss the importance of fundamental exercises in the gym to lay the foundation for good balance and symmetry in the body.
I think its important for coaches to consider how their programmes will change their athlete's body. We need to develop the athlete appropriately keeping the long term athlete development (LTAD) pathway in mind. Too much focus on what we think is specific to one sport can be bad for development. For example, if a J16 rower is only working on a rowing specific S&C programme then its likely this rower will pick up an injury playing soccer with his neighbourhood friends.
If you can relate to this as an endurance athlete or a coach, check out my cardio and strength programming page, or how my athlete monitoring can help you get to the next level of fitness and competition. My approach builds a solid foundation for athletes to excel because injury prevention is better than the cure.