SUPERCOMPENSATION

A period of training of enough duration and intensity (training overloaded) causes a decrease in performance, which is followed by the adjustments implemented by the body during recovery, not just the requisition of the same performance level (compensation) of the initial prestative capacity, but also the overcoming of such capabilities: supercompensation.

As you see in the picture above, there are four phases: initial phase (before training), training phase, recovery phase and supercompensation phase.

In the initial phase, the athlete has a base fitness level. Once the training start, the athlete begins to introduce training stimulus that are much higher than what the body is used to. This training bring fatigue which is reflected in declining the performance.

In the recovery phase, the athlete has no choice after the decline in the performance to introduce recovery. During recovery, the performance starts to return to original baseline fitness. ​

Because the human body is a smart and adjustable organism, it will feel the need to adjust itself to an even higher level of fitness in anticipation of the next training block.

In fact, is in this moment that the body enters in a period of supercompensation during which fitness overcome the base fitness level.

Matteo Cigala

Founder & Head Coach