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HTKSPORT
Traditional strength training is not optimal for speed athletes because such training
methods usually employ slow and sustained applications of force (DUR). Instead
speed athletes rely predominantly on the elastic potential of their muscles for
maximal force application (see above), and therefore must have a base of absorption
strength rather than traditional contractile strength. ‘Strength’ may therefore be used
to described different physical outputs. Strength may refer purely to maximal force
output. In training terms this usually means overcoming strength – simply moving a
given weight or resistance. The greater the resistance, the greater the amount of
overcoming force is required to displace that weight. This is essentially an expression
of absolute strength, and is more commonly referred to as a one-rep max. The term
‘rep’ in this context may reference a lifting movement (like a squat or deadlift), or
shifting a static resistance for a given distance (such as some strongman events).
Strength may also be used to describe the dynamic application of force, ranging in
outputs from strength-endurance (sub-maximal force for extended periods of time)
to explosive strength/strength-speed (applying force with speed).
HYPERTROPHY
Muscle hypertrophy is essentially an expression of ‘strength endurance’. As we have
seen, and is demonstrated even further below through an example, while the actual
expression of hypertrophy-specific training is DUR work, it shouldn’t be forgotten that
the potential of that training is greatly increased by improving MAG ability, which is
typically characterised as strength-speed work.
ENDURANCE
Finally, the muscular performance aspects of ‘endurance’ may be loosely defined
under strength endurance, but this quality is usually (to various extents depending on
the exact endurance demands) dependent on cardiovascular qualities. These are not
the focus of this book.
How, then, do we categorise activity types to reflect the various neuromuscular
inputs?
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This is the focus of the next Part of this book.
JUNE 2018 | ISSUE 01