[Endurance training for fitness--role of individualized training program]

There are many different aspects that should be taken into account when exercise counselling of trained and untrained persons is required. Factors to be considered include the endurance capacity (EC), the general sport skills and the goals of the individual willing to start a training program. First the advisor should try to characterize the EC of the person by estimating or measuring EC. Based on this information, advice for an individual training programme can be given. As a principle for cardio-respiratory fitness training, a person should at least practise three times per week 20-30 minutes in a moderate exercise intensity to achieve a sufficient training effect. When training more than three times/week people should vary the mode of exercise and training intensity to improve the quality of training and to avoid overcharge symptoms. After a certain duration of the training cycle, the plans should be adapted to new or changed conditions. A distinct improvement of EC can be expected after 8-12 weeks of regular training. The article gives an overview of the possibilities for testing and the planning of training, should help the reader either to start his own training program or to give appropriate advice to an athlete requiring training counselling.