30 Seconds SummaryStress: The Silent Killer (of gains)
- Training outcomes can't be perfectly controlled through classic models as biology is nonlinear and responds to numerous internal and external stimuli.
- General stress, through the concept of General Adaptation Syndrome, pools into 'adaptive reserves' which are used for coping with and adapting to stressors but can be depleted by various life stressors, thus impacting training responses.
- A recent study showed that individuals with higher stress levels had significantly delayed recovery from exercise compared to those with lower stress, affecting muscle function and soreness over 96 hours.
- The research indicates that not just the physical aspects, but also mental stress levels and life events play a crucial role in how the body recovers and adapts to training.
- Recovery and training adaptation are complex processes influenced by more than just diet, sleep, and exercise; they also heavily depend on psychological stress and overall life stress.
- Training plans need flexibility and should be adjusted based on current life conditions, as what might be manageable under low-stress conditions can become overwhelming under high-stress conditions.
- Viewing the body as a garden rather than a machine better captures the nurturing approach needed for growth and adaptation, emphasizing the importance of holistic health including mental well-being in training.
Stronger By Science
Greg Nuckols
