Work Load

Training load refers to how the physical impact of training creates stress and fatigue as well as adaptation and fitness. An athlete’s response to training load must be considered from external and internal perspectives.

External load refers to the actual physical work completed by an athlete. It can be manipulated by session or periodized in cycles by intensity or volume.

Internal training load—VO2 max, lactate, or rate of perceived exertion—is the individual’s reaction to the stress of the external work.

It’s important to monitor the internal-load response because athletes have different diets, daily demands, and lifestyle habits; two athletes on the same crew can respond to the same workout in very different ways. The external load may be the same, but the internal load varies.

Coaches need to monitor their athletes to manage the work/rest ratio so that performance improves, injury risk is lowered, and team morale remains positive. This can be a challenge with large teams.

A quick, effective strategy is to track sRPE—session rating of perceived exertion. Ask the question: “How hard was your workout?” Then, 30 minutes after the end of practice, using a scale of 1 to 10, have each rower assign a value.

Simple to use, sRPE reflects the effect of environmental strain (wind, cold, heat) and accounts for fatigue and the emotional state of your athletes. Over time, their accuracy and reliability will improve.

There are, of course, more detailed ways to assess internal load—monitoring heart-rate or lactate levels—but that may not be practical for coaches with large teams with busy schedules.

Marlene Royle, who won national titles in rowing and sculling, is the author of Tip of the Blade: Notes on Rowing. She has coached at Boston University, the Craftsbury Sculling Center, and the Florida Rowing Center. Her Roylerow Performance Training Programs provides coaching for masters rowers. Email Marlene at roylerow@aol.com or visit www.roylerow.com.

The post Work Load appeared first on Rowing News.