In the realm of fitness and sports, one crucial but often disregarded factor affecting performance and recovery is an individual’s training age. Training age refers to the number of years spent training and participating in physical activities. As athletes progress in their training age, the wear and tear from countless hours of training can lead to a peak in performance in their mid-20s, followed by a decline.
For older CrossFitters, focusing on training frequency rather than volume can be more effective. Training frequency refers to the number of sessions per week, while training volume is the total work done in a session. While younger athletes may benefit from higher training volumes, aging athletes may experience diminishing returns.
As an athlete’s training age increases, their baseline fitness improves, allowing them to learn new movements and recover faster. However, this advantage may fade as the body starts feeling the effects of years of intense training. High volume training can become challenging for aging athletes, especially in terms of recovery.
To maximize training while minimizing the risk of injury, decreasing daily training volume and increasing training frequency can be beneficial. Splitting workouts into shorter, more frequent sessions can reduce the strain on the body and lead to more consistent training.
By focusing on quality over quantity and prioritizing recovery, aging CrossFitters can continue to progress and maintain their health in the long run. In the wise words of Coach Glassman, the founder of CrossFit, “impress me with intensity, not volume.” By following this principle and adjusting training strategies as athletes age, they can ensure longevity in their fitness journey.
