>1. Training Theory - Generalized Training Theories

Generalized training theories are simple models used by coaches and athletes to help plan and visualize training programs and conditioning. These models are very broad, and are used as a general tool to explain how performance manifests.

Two practical and effective training theories are supercompensation theory, and fitness-fatigue theory:

<Supercompensation Theory
In supercompensation theory, an athletes preparedness to train is purported to be tied directly to how much biochemical substrate is available for the muscles to use. During strenuous exercise, substrates are depleted, and after rest, replenish past their original levels. This is known as supercompensation. The time where substrates are supercompensated is known as the supercompensation phase. Effecient use of supercompensation theory would mean that workouts are timed to fall at the peak of the supercompensation phase. While this model works in practice, it has fallen out of favor as more critical analysis of the mechanisms behind metabolism have raised criticisms of the theory's explanation of fatigue.

<Fitness-Fatigue Theory
Fitness fatigue theory of training includes three variables. Gain in fitness from adaptation, deterioration from fatigue, and net performance. Performance is the net balance between fitness gain, and deterioration from fatigue. Immediately after a workout (stimulus), fatigue is high, far outracing fitness gains. However as fatigue dissipates, and the athletes fitness adaptations manifest, performance rises. Efficient use of fitness-fatigue theory would see workouts being held at the peak of preparedness, shown as the highest net gain between fitness and fatigue.

The way both theories differs in application can best be shown when tapering an athlete to attain peak performance. The supercompensation model would be focused on properly timing the athletes supercompensation phase, while the fitness-fatigue model would attempt to reduce fatigue while maintaining fitness. Supercompensation would achieve this by reducing the number of workouts, while fitness-fatigue would adjust volume and intensity.