Why low-intensity endurance training for athletes?

: Matomäki, Pekka

Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC

: NEW YORK

: 2025

: European Journal of Applied Physiology

: EUR J APPL PHYSIOL

: 7

: 1439-6319

: 1439-6327

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-025-05843-w

: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-025-05843-w

: https://research.utu.fi/converis/portal/detail/Publication/499224303

Endurance athletes prioritize most of their training in low-intensity zone. This forms a paradox, as immediate logic would argue against it: Acutely low-intensity exercise does not challenge the homeostasis or cardiopulmonary system of high-level athletes sufficiently to produce performance gains comparable to those from moderate- or high-intensity exercise. In this perspective study, seven possible explanations for the purpose of excessive-volume low-intensity training in endurance athletes are proposed. The hypotheses are not all mutually exclusive. They range from a psychological need for easy days and the incremental benefits of low-intensity training without accumulating stress, to the possibility that such training may ultimately be replaceable.

s00421-025-05843-w.pdf

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University of Turku (including Turku University Central Hospital)