Aug
24
2008
Strength and endurance training compliment each other for superior athletic performance. Resistance training increases strength limits, muscle mass, bone density and neuromuscular coordination. Cardiorespiratory exercise improves endurance capacity and blood circulation, while making it easier to maintain a healthy body weight. The two training methods draw from different energy pathways, and have few overlapping effects in the body. Problems can arise with concurrent training programs – especially in maximizing strength development. Continue reading
5 comments | tags: aerobic, anaerobic, concurrent training, endurance training, overreaching, overtraining, physical training, resistance training, strength | posted in 2.1 - Fitness Fundamentals
May
11
2008
The human body is a magnificently adaptive organism. Unlike machinery, muscular systems can respond to escalating demands by becoming stronger. No matter how hard and fast a car is driven, an automobile remains the same. In response to a progressive training stimulus, muscles are capable of increasing fiber diameter, transforming architecture and manipulating energy systems. To truly maximize a training session, the period immediately prior to exercise must not be spent carelessly. Properly preparing for resistance training can greatly impact performance. Bodybuilders typically undergo specific rituals before to training, to include: warming up their core temperature, stretching a muscle belly and massaging an exercised area. Continue reading
no comments | tags: anaerobic, bodybuilding program, endurance training, ergogenics, exercise, overreaching, physical training, resistance training | posted in 2.4 - Training Theories
Jan
20
2008
Proper rest is important for anyone training in a progressive resistance training program, such as powerlifting and bodybuilding. The act of falling asleep shifts the body into a subconscious state of anabolism. Routine exercise does impact sleep patterns and the succeeding growth-stimulating events desired by bodybuilders. Adequate rest is required to optimize muscle recovery and growth.
As humans get older, sleep requirements decrease. During infancy, around 14 to 16 hours are spent asleep during the day. Toddlers often need around 10 to 13 hours per day. During teenage maturation and puberty, daily sleep hours are typically around eight to 10 hours per day – to wake up feeling rested. Adults typically need around seven to eight hours of rest. The elderly often find themselves needing less than seven hours per day. Throughout the human lifecycle, there is a relationship between sleep requirements and rapid periods of growth and development. Continue reading
no comments | tags: anabolic steroids, bodybuilding program, overreaching, overtraining, performance drugs, physical training, resistance training, sleep | posted in 2.1 - Fitness Fundamentals
Nov
13
2007
Resistance and endurance training are commonly seen as healthy activities to engage in – but can exhaustive exercise increase the likeliness of getting ill? The human body is a complex physical structure of organic tissue – an isolated event can affect tissues in several other locations. The immune system is an adequate ambassador of our complexity and is essential for maintaining health. Dysfunction can lead to a wide variety of diseases. A common perception by elite athletes is that frequent and intense exercise leaves the body predisposed to infections. However, an inconsistency exists when health care professionals suggest that regular exercise is beneficial to the immune system by providing some resistance to infections. So, who’s right? Continue reading
2 comments | tags: exercise, immune system, nutrition, overreaching, overtraining, physical training | posted in 2.1 - Fitness Fundamentals
Jun
7
2007
It doesn’t matter how dedicated the athlete, interruptions from training are inevitable. Periods of inactivity are frequently due to life’s unplanned events. Occasionally these phases are scheduled to avoid overreaching or allow recovery from an onset of overtraining syndrome. Unfortunately, a prolonged reduction in training efforts, or discontinuing all together, can result in a partial or complete reversal of training-induced adaptations. Muscular detraining is the result of marked decreases or cessation of physical activities. Continue reading
no comments | tags: aerobic, anaerobic, detraining, muscle conditioning, muscle memory, overreaching, overtraining, physical training, testosterone | posted in 2.1 - Fitness Fundamentals
May
18
2007
The idea of potentially overtraining is not unheard of by established athletes and conventional fitness enthusiasts but an authentic definition frequently remains mysterious. Learning to ride the fine line between training progression and overreaching should be most important to an athlete trying to maximize performance. To avoid overtraining syndrome it is vital to understanding the definition, identify stressors that can put an athlete at risk and learn how to adjust a training split properly. Continue reading
no comments | tags: aerobic, anaerobic, immune system, overreaching, overtraining, physical training, sleep | posted in 2.1 - Fitness Fundamentals