Long-term effects of training

Overview

Increased bone density, stronger ligaments and tendons, muscle hypertrophy, a lower resting heart rate, higher stroke volume, capillarisation and faster recovery, and why rest matters.

What you need to know

Answer each one before you reveal it.

Questions from this subtopic

Each one with the model answer underneath.

1. 1

   What is the main overall long-term effect of regular training?

   Model answer

   Regular training lets a performer train for longer and at a higher intensity. The body adapts to cope with the demands placed on it.

2. 2

   Why does increased bone density benefit a performer?

   Model answer

   Long-term training makes bones denser and stronger. Denser bones can withstand tackles and hard landings without fracturing.

3. 3

   How does training affect ligaments and tendons?

   Model answer

   Training increases the strength of ligaments and tendons. Stronger ligaments make joints more stable, and stronger tendons withstand greater muscle forces.

4. 4

   What is muscle hypertrophy?

   Model answer

   Muscle hypertrophy is an increase in the size of a muscle. Hypertrophy is caused by strength or resistance training and increases strength and power.

5. 5

   Why is rest essential for long-term training adaptations?

   Model answer

   The body repairs and adapts during rest, not during the session itself. Muscles need time to recover before the next session.

6. 6

   What could happen if a performer trained hard every day with no recovery time?

   Model answer

   The body would not have time to adapt and would become fatigued. Performance would fall and the risk of overuse injury would rise.

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