High Performance Physiology

As a preparatory topic before covering block periodization, Chris and Rob explain the concept of supercompensation. Supercompensation is the observation that outcome measures (like strength, speed, power) can reduce during a high-volume training block and then rebound (supercompensate) during a subsequent deload or taper. But that does not happen because of a delayed adaptation. It happens because fatigue was accumulating during the high-volume training block and reducing the value of the outcome measure.

The dose-response of hypertrophy to workout volume is a famous phenomenon. In this episode, Chris and Rob talk about how all adaptations display dose-responses (even though they have not been as carefully studied). That affects how we program for speed, maximum strength, stretch-shortening cycle, and maximum eccentric strength.

Following on from the earlier episode about two-leg vertical jumping, Chris and Rob tackle single-leg vertical jumping and explain how it relates to power training (with power cleans and jump squats).

Chris was sick this week so this week's episode is a short one covering some practical suggestions on how we can still get productive training sessions while suffering from either a cold or flu.

Chris and Rob describe exactly how to combine bodybuilding with athletic preparation training for people who want to pursue multiple goals at the same time. They give three separate options depending on whether the two goals have equal weighting or whether one goal is currently more important.