Posted by Cris (24.66.94.141) on December 10, 2003 at 23:01:36:
In Reply to: Questions... posted by DanZ on December 09, 2003 at 19:03:59:
Good questions. It looks like you are assuming that in order to provoke an adaptive response to training, that one must exercise to the point of fatigue or to some level of measurable fatigue.
It seems you have two questions: 1) how is Periodization implemented. 2) If one cannot exercise to the point of fatigue, then, is there any value in training at all.
The first place for you to look for an answer to your query is to justify your position. You are assuming that fatigue must occur in order for training to work, and much of your questioning is based on this assumption. Can you prove that fatigue must occur before adaptation will occur?
Fatigue is not required to cause an adaptation to training. Now you must ask yourself, how did you conclude that fatigue is necessary to adapt? Did you research this?
To discover how Periodization is implemented, I suggest you read Periodization, Theory and methodology of Training, Fourth edition, by Tudor Bompa. I specialize in Periodization and am certified through the Tudor Bompa Training System as a ‘Planning Specialist’ and can help you understand Periodization.
The basics are not exactly as you assume, but you’re on the right track. While Periodization does include management principals for all biomotor abilities, the year is not divided into entirely separate cycles of neural training followed by strength followed by something else. In fact all systems are trained throughout the year. It is the system as a whole that is trained in a logical sequential pattern beginning with “Anatomical Adaptation”. Think of this phase as base conditioning where volume is moderate and intensity low. Skill acquisition, correcting muscle imbalances and postural deficiencies, as well as the specific aerobic adaptations required for the sport occur in this phase. Then the preparatory, pre competition, competition, and finally transition phases follow.
The bare bones summary of Periodization is: A system whereby periods of training improve specific biomotor abilities (aerobic system, strength, speed, etc) in a sequential manner where each phase serves as preparation for the next. The next phase cannot be properly implemented until the goals of the current phase are achieved. The phases of training culminate in a performance peak at the time of the most important competition, typically annual championships. Periodization is very logical; you would not for instance train at race pace before several phases of training were completed to ensure the athletes body could tolerate race pace training. In day-to-day management Periodization concepts include alternating intensive days with recovery days, and not placing a skill drill after a strenuous strength or endurance drill.
Why would you love to train 3 hours per day? Wouldn’t it be more important to train at whatever time is the most productive for your current state of fitness and recovery? What is so important about 3 hours? What if 78 minutes is determined through critical analysis to be a better time allotment for training? Would you dismiss this fact because it didn’t match your assumption of deriving more benefit with 3 hours?
Yes, a degree of cumulative fatigue can be tolerated and may or may not be necessary for optimal training adaptation. Current models of training, including Periodization, assume cumulative fatigue will occur in training and build in unloading weeks/ days/ phases of training to remove the fatigue and invoke the supercompensation response. Dr. Eric Banister (Simon Fraser University) discovered through research that most athletes accumulate enough fatigue to require and unloading week about every 14 to 21 days of training, even though the training has recovery workouts and days off included in this 14 to 21 day period.
Other researchers have found the same thing. Philostratos, who wrote the first training manual known, “Gymnasticus”, also trained Greek athletes with a concept of placing athletes into a recovery period when they became tired.
If you are fatigued, how can you train?