Aerobics Are For Dummies

 Aerobics are for dummies. Before you get your leotards in a twist, know that I am referring to power athletes when I make this statement. ( Although I do not recommend long, slow distance running for any of my clients who are not distance runners - but that's another subject.)

Why would I say such a thing? Well, as Elliot et al. reported in their seminal 2008 review, aerobic endurance training (AET) has a significant and negative effect on the performance of power athletes. The science is clear (just like with global warming- yeah, that's a dig at you, naysayers.)

Anyway, the science is clear, so why do soooo many power athletes still believe that slow, long- and slow distance (LSD) running is good for them? Old habits die hard, I guess.

Let's take a quick look at a few of the reasons AET and LSD in particular are detrimental to the power athlete:

1. AET compromises power by reducing the ability to reduce force at the high-velocity/low frequency portion of the force-velocity curve;

2. Concurrent AET and strength training compromises the rate of  force development (RFD) as opposed to strength training alone;

3. AET has a catabolic effect on muscle tissue! It increases the release of cortisol ( catabolic) and decreases the release of testosterone (anabolic, as if I had to tell you.) This alone should stop you dead in your tracks...literally:

4. AET can cause transformation of fast-twitch (power) muscles to accommodate an increased proportion of slow-twitch (endurance) fibers; and

5. AET is inferior to HIIT ( high-intensity interval training) for fat loss.

So, please continue your running if you want to be slower, fatter, weaker, and less muscular. And less successful on the field or in the octagon or wherever it is you play. Just don't tell me I didn't warn you, dummy!