How do we define peak athletic performance? I would say that the definition varies depending on who you ask. Some may say it is a physical peak that can be calculated and measured scientifically, while others may think it is a more abstract concept. I suppose the exact definition depends on the individual. Perhaps it is more of a sense of personal accomplishment and wellbeing, and can only be ascertained or measured by the individual.
A good example of this would be the phenomenon known as the "Runner's high" which is a little more complex than just the proverbial "second wind" where a sudden burst of energy comes after long intervals of exhaustion.
To me, Peak Athletic Performance is a combination of many things, mainly diet, exercise, and rest. As far as me personally, I think my peak would have been about 3 years ago when I was working out religiously 5 days a week, dieting hardcore, and wrestling on the weekends. My absolute peak would be when I tried out for WWE and TNA, as I was in absolutely impecable athletic condition, not just in terms of muscle and body mass(4% body fat) but also in terms of cardiovascular conditioning. These days I am still in pretty good shape, I have trouble making time to get to the gym sometimes, but I MAKE time. There is no excuse. Next month I am getting back into wrestling again, so I need to be in top shape.
I remember writing my Peak Performance paper for Foundations Of Movement Science II. Your body just feels like its in a cocoon and you are floating through the air. All the senses are focused, and the body is ready to react to anything. Adrenaline is pumping and your body is warm. I love when I feel like this when playing volleyball. The hardest part is training yourself and pushing yourself to get to that peak but when you get there you stay there until the end of the game.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you, Greg, that a peak performance usually doesn't come at the beginning of the season, but when the athlete is in some sort of routine. I remember Dr. Schwartz in Foundations II saying that it is almost impossible to plan for a peak performance, but if you are in a routine it is more likely to happen. Similar to Steph's description, when I am at my best during field hockey, I am never thinking of anything else but what I am doing and am never focused on how tired my body is, just how much I can do at that moment. I also agree that there is no excuse to not working out!
ReplyDeleteI think that an athelete knows to when he is at his peak atheletic ability. You can always tell by what your body is saying to you. If you're pushing your body really hard on one day and the next day you're not sore or tired. Thats generally a good way to tell.
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