The success of endurance sports resides in a rather imposing combination of factors. These include the ability to avoid injury, maintain motivation, maximize cardiovascular and muscular capacities, and accustom the body to long-term efforts and repeated movements.
Some of these issues are obviously intrinsically linked to the practice of a specific sport. To accustom your body to the repetitive movements of swimming, for example, it is necessary to do this movement for long hours. Although certain movements can be simulated at the gym, nothing really replaces them. This can bring its own set of problems. Excessive repetitive movement can lead to the development of injuries, especially if the periods between sessions do not allow the body to fully recover. In addition to injuries, the repetitive practice of the same sport is often synonymous with discouragement and demoralization. The human being being what he is, the lack of diversity in the daily routine often causes a marked drop in motivation. In sport as in life.
Cross-training, the concept that training for a specific sport can go through several sports, becomes very interesting here. As we mentioned earlier, among the important factors of endurance sport, we find cardiovascular and muscular endurance. These factors can very easily develop across many sports. A runner can, for example, use his recovery training on the bike, or in the swimming pool, getting all the cardiovascular and muscular benefits, without any repetitive shock that could lead to injury.
Sometimes it is even better to work certain areas in a sport that is not the main sport. The example of the expert swimmer who has difficulty increasing his pulse in the pool without pushing himself to the limit of his abilities is a good one. To work, for example, zone 3 (70% to 80% of FCM), a good swimmer will need to push an effort of 8 to 9 out of 10 given the more muscular nature of the sport. To reach the same zone, this same swimmer will only have to offer an effort of 6 to 7 out of 10 while practicing running. In terms of overall energy expended, this is a considerable gain.
This principle is the same when talking about strength training. A strength training session at the gym can have a much more beneficial effect on the body and the performance of a specific sport than training in that sport. The gain, for example, in strength and stability of the quadriceps during "squats" can have extremely positive effects on the performance of a cyclist, by its basic power, but also by the prevention of the injuries it causes. . Resistance training makes it possible, among other things, to counter the muscle imbalance that can be created during repetition training.
Finally, varying your sporting activity is the ultimate remedy for the monotony of everyday life. Going cross-country skiing instead of running on the treadmill in the winter is a very good example. More broadly, it is difficult to practice a single sport and remain just as motivated throughout the year. There are so many sports, so many activities, that it is almost impossible not to have several to our liking. Just don't be afraid to try something new, and get out of your comfort zone.
No matter what sport you practice, Upika Endurance will be able to accompany you. For rest training, as for intensity training, it is essential to always maximize your nutrition, no matter what you are doing.