How to train? By sensations? Why rhythm? By pulsations?

This is a very usual question: should I train by sensations, by pulsations, by rhythm, by power?

 

 

Our collaborator Ricard Perez, tells us in this article when to use each method of training throughout the season

The answer to which training control system we should use in our sessions is very simple, since we must consider the time of the season in which we find ourselves.

I train for sensations (pre-season, base)

At the beginning of the season, our body still behaves irregularly because we may return to sports after a period of inactivity, or we may be starting the season after a period of vacation.

In any of these cases the situation is that our body is not yet "stable", so that pulsations are triggered after a few minutes of exercise.

 

In the first months of the season, it is best to train for sensations

 

Training by pulsations at this time of the season can be very erratic, since the pulsations do not have a tendency to stabilize during the exercise and show considerable variations.

Training by pace at this time of the season can be frustrating, as we observe that we can not maintain the speeds we want to consolidate throughout the season.

 

Training by pulsations (base, resistance, specialization)

After a few months of regular sports practice, our body has already adapted to physical activity, and the volumes and intensities of the season.

 

In the periods of general work of the season we can use the pulsations as a control measure since we prioritize the volume against the intensity.

 

Training for sensations at this time of the season can be conflicting as we run the risk of locking ourselves in our comfort zone and not achieving an improvement in our performance.

Train by speed at this time of the season is possible, provided we can extrapolate the maximum speed obtained in the control tests at a speed close to our anaerobic threshold.

 

Training by rhythm (speed, specialization)

In the months of more specific work on our speed factors it is essential to work through the rhythm

Since it is the only objective value that allows us to develop our speed.

Before starting to work for rhythms, it is advisable to have done a minimum of two tests of control of each one of the disciplines in order to have a good reference of the rhythms to be developed in each one of the execution distances.

It is even highly recommended to do a control test after 4-5 specific work weeks in case our speed or specialization period lasts more than 10 weeks.

 

Training by power

The option to train the cyclist segment by power is a very valid option at any time of the season

It is even possible to train for power in the first weeks of the season, but not using this indicator as a milestone to overcome in our sessions, but as a reference to compare our status between the different sessions of the pre-season.

In the months away from our competitive period we must establish a conversion factor corresponding to our current state based on our optimal state.

Conclusion

The training control system that we choose depends on the time of the season in which we find ourselves.

 

Author Ricard Perez , Sports Scientist and Cycling and Triathlon Trainer.

Website: http://grupotriatlon.com/