The Ideal Training Programs for Athletes

Hi, Michelle Voineag, Owner of the SuperSlow Zone of Northville here.  Next week I will be hosting an Open House for tennis players so I thought this a good time to blog about physical conditioning training for athletes.

Dr. Doug McGuff, author of Body By Science and long time advocate of high intensity training (SuperSlow) writes in his book that "this is the type of exercise that most efficiently produces generalized physical-conditioning improvements that are transferable to competition"  He further says something that highlights the significance of the use of high intensity training vs. traditional exercise methods "time is needed to practice the skills necessary for the given sport" and "it, the exercise, must be performed briefly & infrequently for 2 reasons:  1.  So that the athlete can obtain the best results from it.  2.  So that the athlete can obtain physical conditioning in a way that is time efficient, thus allowing more time for necessary skill practice, and that conserves recovery ability as fully as possible."

In short Dr. McGuff is saying work out intensely, breifly, safely & infrequently using a high intensity training method/proper physical conditioning.  Ideally it consists of a type of exercise that is done so it tracks muscle & joint function, strengthens muscles to PROTECT the athlete from injury, & produces metabolic conditioning that the athlete can then use to their advantage during competition.

My tag line says it best - Minutes A Week - In Shape for Life