Sports Physiology
Effects of Training on Athletes
Sports physiology is the study of the effects of training on the bodies of athletes. Coaches can improve training methods by knowing how and why specific training regimens and conditions affect athletes' performances.
Understanding the internal effects of exercise on athletes sets the stage for designing fitness training programs that match the
physical demands
of specific sports.
Don't forget, though, that internal changes in athletes' bodies are one piece of the training puzzle. Solid
fitness training plans
should combine important pieces of
mental training,
sport biomechanics,
and other aspects of performance.
Former Lady Vol Olympians Sharrieffa Barksdale and Missy Kane
Key training principles, such as
overload,
specificity,
and
recovery
are heavily rooted in this field. Effects of body composition, flexibility training, hydration, and carbohydrate loading on athletic performance are only a few of the topics explored in this field.
Exercise physiologists, physicians, and athletic trainers can apply research findings from studies in this field to advise athletes on topics concerning nutrition, sport-related injuries, and other issues related to sports medicine.
A word of caution--in order to understand the effects of training, scientists must "zoom in" under lab conditions. Athletes and coaches must consider how well artificial conditions apply to training athletes in the real world.
Rather than "proving facts", sport scientists piece together clues from studies to form theories. Be careful not to take theories (possible explanations) as the "gospel" when training athletes--always "zoom out" into the real world of competition.
As much as possible, coaches should consider how applications of research fit with those from other sport sciences, and temper research findings with personal experience and good judgement when training athletes.
Professional organizations, such as the American College of Sports Medicine, make "position stands" or "consensus statements" that coaches and athletes can use as guidelines and
sports training principles.
Topics and training tips:
Aerobic Training
Anaerobic Training
How Muscles Work
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