UNDERSTANDING SUPERCOMPENSATION TO AVOID OVERTRAINING

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WHAT IS SUPERCOMPENSATION?

If the word supercompensation has you confused, don't worry. You're not alone. After 50 years of scientific study, there is still debate over how to apply the theory. It's easier said than done. Here we have simplified the science so you can master the art.





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[Stargames ®]

Understanding supercompensation theory helps us to be strategic about when to workout. The magic trick is to time training sessions to coincide with peak fitness during the supercompensation phase. In this way, fitness gains are accumulated with each workout.

This isn't easy. As you may have experienced, consecutive workouts with too little recovery time in between can lead to overtraining. Equally, if you leave too much time between workouts, the supercompensation effect is lost and your fitness won't improve.

Imagine a castle wall under attack. If the attacks are too frequent, the walls will be destroyed. With time however, the walls will not only be rebuilt, but will be reinforced to defend against future attack. If too much time passes and attack is no longer expected, the reinforcements will be dismantled.

Remember, your fitness is in constant flux. Without further "stimulus" during the supercompensation phase, the body will begin to lose fitness. (There's no point building extra muscle if it isn't needed to support normal activity). This is the "use it or lose it" principle.

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