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P&P #23. Overemphasis on Cardiovascular Training May Be Limiting Progress in Low Intensity Endurance Sports and an Underemphasis on Cardiovascular Training May Be Limiting Progress in High Intensity Sports.

For many years, experts have advised on the 'correct' quantity and quality of cardiovascular training to maximise performance in distance running, swimming and other low-intensity endurance sports.

They have stressed how important it is to have a high V02 max or 'lactate turnpoint' or OBLA (Onset of Blood Lactate Accumulation) or ability to operate at a high percentage of one's V02max, and so forth. However, V02max levels have not changed significantly in athletes for over 50 years, but running times have decreased dramatically. Moreover, a sizeable DROP in V02max levels has been noted during the competition period in several endurance sports.

For many years, research has shown that development of endurance is associated with the functional specialisation of the skeletal muscles, particularly enhancement of their strength and oxidative qualities, rather than improvement of cardiorespiratory ability. Other research has also revealed that STRENGTH TRAINING leads to a greater rise in haemoglobin content and myoglobin than endurance training and that strength training, even in the beginning stages of training, contributes more to the largest improvements in distance sports than 'aerobic' training. Russian work has also shown the possible benefits of plyometric training, motor education and technical skill on improving endurance performance.

Nevertheless, most experts on endurance training at most prescribe resistance training only to strengthen some postural muscles, but not to improve endurance. Conversely, athletes in strength sports (such as weightlifting, powerlifting, wrestling and field events) usually avoid endurance training because it can decrease muscle hypertrophy, speed and strength. On the other hand, appropriate endurance training can improve circulatory processes and facilitate recovery. The interrelation or interaction between cardiovascular and strength training seems to be confusing, to say the least! Should our distance athletes train with heavy weights and our strength athletes do more endurance work?


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