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Pekka Matomäki1,2

  • 1Paavo Nurmi Centre & Unit for Health and Physical Activity, University of Turku, Turku, Finland. pmatomaki@gmail.com.

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Endurance athletes often train at low intensity, which seems counterintuitive for performance gains. This study explores seven potential reasons for this paradox, including psychological benefits and stress management.

Keywords:
Elite athleteEndurance performanceEndurance trainingLow-intensity training

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Area of Science:

  • Sports Science
  • Exercise Physiology

Background:

  • Endurance athletes predominantly utilize low-intensity training.
  • This approach appears paradoxical as it offers minimal acute physiological stress for high-level performers.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To propose and explore seven potential explanations for the prevalence of excessive low-intensity training in endurance athletes.
  • To address the paradox between low-intensity training and performance enhancement in elite athletes.

Main Methods:

  • This study is a perspective piece, presenting hypotheses rather than empirical data.
  • It synthesizes existing knowledge to propose explanations for training methodologies.

Main Results:

  • Seven hypotheses are presented, offering potential reasons for low-intensity training.
  • These explanations range from psychological needs to physiological benefits without added stress.

Conclusions:

  • The rationale behind excessive low-intensity training in endurance athletes is multifaceted.
  • Further research may be needed to determine if this training modality is ultimately replaceable.