Is Workout Tempo An Indicator Of Athleticism?

DTS — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 14:26:33 +0000

I’ve made the connection recently that an athlete’s workout tempo and how they spend their time between workout sets is an indicator of athleticism. When I observe athletes who have lean and muscular physiques they almost always seem to hop around the weight room stretching and moving between sets. In contrast, the athletes who have a “softer” look always seem to drag their way through a workout and often get penalized for sitting down.

When examining performance data, the athletes who have “hyper-tempo” (a word I’m coining) all test in the top 95% on the vertical jump, 10-yard dash, 20-yard shuttle and pull-up rep test.

It’s my belief that more factors come into play when talking about slow workout tempo (like nutrition status & personal stress outside the facility), but if it becomes habitual an athletes’ body doesn’t look or respond the same, often times exhibiting what I call the “drag effect.”

Educating my athletes on optimal nutrition, hydration, supplementation and mental focus while “in-training” has become a priority. Some have made the necessary changes and seen the results, but for others being “chill” is just a way of life. Unfortunately, their athletic window also seems to be closing.

Bottom line, athletes who want results “get after it,” even when they’re resting.

DeLuca's Training Systems | Sports Performance Training for Athletes in Melbourne, Florida » improving athleticism

Is Workout Tempo An Indicator Of Athleticism?