Introduction
In response to training, the body makes adaptations or adjustments to the level of stress imposed on it. These adaptations allow it to function more comfortably at existing levels of stress and respond more effi ciently to new levels of stress. The time taken before improvements are noticed varies from one individual to another and depends upon the biological systems affected. Although progressive improvements will be seen throughout a training program, it usually takes about 12 weeks to realise the entire benefi ts. Training will cause adaptations to a number of capacities, including resting heart rate, stroke volume,cardiac output, oxygen uptake, lung capacity, hemoglobin levels, muscle sizeand muscle recruitment.
While training will cause immediate physiological responses in the body, athletes are looking for adaptations and long term responses to improve performance. These adaptations allow the athlete to achieve higher levels of work. They include changes to resting heart rate, stroke volume and cardiac and cardiac output, oxygen uptake and lung capacity, hemoglobin level, muscle hypertrophy, and effects on fast/slow twitch muscle fibres.
When an athlete begins participates in regular aerobic training the body begins to adapt physically to the demands placed upon it. These adaptations allow the body to function more comfortably at existing levels of stress and respond more efficiently to new levels of stress. This makes the body more efficient and capable of more work. Many of the changes occur in the cardiorespiratory system and lead to an improved ability to deliver oxygen to working muscles.
When we talk about these changes, terms such as sub-maximal exercise and maximal exercise need to be explained. Sub-maximal exercise is performed at a level below maximum heart rate and the heart rate remains constant or near constant during the activity. Examples include jogging, cycling or swimming for more than 20 minutes. Maximal exercise is activity which leads to a heart rate that approaches its maximal level, such as sprinting.
While training will cause immediate physiological responses in the body, athletes are looking for adaptations and long term responses to improve performance. These adaptations allow the athlete to achieve higher levels of work. They include changes to resting heart rate, stroke volume and cardiac and cardiac output, oxygen uptake and lung capacity, hemoglobin level, muscle hypertrophy, and effects on fast/slow twitch muscle fibres.
When an athlete begins participates in regular aerobic training the body begins to adapt physically to the demands placed upon it. These adaptations allow the body to function more comfortably at existing levels of stress and respond more efficiently to new levels of stress. This makes the body more efficient and capable of more work. Many of the changes occur in the cardiorespiratory system and lead to an improved ability to deliver oxygen to working muscles.
When we talk about these changes, terms such as sub-maximal exercise and maximal exercise need to be explained. Sub-maximal exercise is performed at a level below maximum heart rate and the heart rate remains constant or near constant during the activity. Examples include jogging, cycling or swimming for more than 20 minutes. Maximal exercise is activity which leads to a heart rate that approaches its maximal level, such as sprinting.