Aerobic-Fitness Training Should be Focussed on Less.

PART I

Aerobic-fitness training is the total opposite of anaerobic-fitness training. Because it allows oxygen to be present when it starts producing energy for muscle contractions.

This energy system operates without producing lactic acid so you don't get that burning sensation in your muscles that signals fatigue. Because of this you can exercise for longer periods without feeling the need to rest.

Another difference between the two different energy systems is the waste products produced whilst exercising. Carbon dioxide is produced and expired during exercise and water is produced and sweated out. The removal of these waste products is immediate.

Personally I find this type of training laborious because of its slow continuous nature.This probably is a reflection of my character.

For cricket specificity purposes the aerobic-fitness training option is not the best option to use as your dominant exercise choice. Using this option more often will impede your performances in training and on match day.

Aerobically performed exercise recruits only slow twitch muscle fibres. And as the name suggests this means you are training to be slow. The more you train in this manner the more your muscle fibres will become slow twitch dominant. Muscle contractions then become slower and weaker which is not ideal for your cricket.

All of your skills should be trained with great intensity and quickness. And if you aren't training your fitness in the same manner your muscles aren't going to ever become fast twitch dominant. Meaning you are not going to realise your full potential as a cricketer because of your incomplete fitness preparation.

Whilst I discourage a major focus on aerobic-fitness type training for cricket. On the other hand I must inform you that without it you stand to encounter negative side effects.

Confused?

Don't be. I will fill in the missing links.

The first reason to include aerobically based fitness in your schedule is you will be standing for extended periods in a game of cricket. Either fielding, batting or bowling.

To keep your body in an upright position your deep stabilizing muscles in your neck and spine must be working adequately. Because they are slow twitch dominant and have to sustain long periods of activation they need your oxygen fuelled energy system to provide energy for them. If your energy system is adequate and your posture set up is solid these deep stabilizers will work well for you.

If you continually lack energy towards the end of a days play you would be well served to investigate your postural set up and the work of your deep stabiliser muscles. It is a very common occurance that cricketers postural systems in conjunction with their aerobic-fitness isn't as efficient as they could be. For information on solid posture setting and how it will help your aerobic-fitness click here.

The second reason to utilise aerobic training is it's also a good recovery tool. Because of the intense nature of your training and games (if it isn't by now it should be). Your fast twitch muscle fibres will be producing waste products that will build up if not released or used. Aerobic training will do this for you. Your slow twitch fibres will utilise this waste product as an energy source for carrying out low impact exercise.

The third important reason to use aerobic fitness training is to build a solid fitness base. At the start of preseason when you are sure you are posturally set and your foundations are in place. You should begin to condition yourself aerobically.

The aim should be to set yourself a fitness base that allows you to recover adequately from the rigours of your upcoming intensive fitness training.

This could take from 4 - 8 weeks depending on how well conditioned you want to be. This is a very important phase so prepare early and complete it thoroughly. Your whole fitness training could be compromised if you do not complete this phase adequately.

Because of the intensity of anaerobic fitness training your body at times will placed into oxygen debt. Your bodies ability to utilise oxygen to hasten recovery depends on the quality of your aerobic-fitness base. The last benefit which requires little explanation is to freshen you up mentally. It will simply allow you to have a scheduled break from your usual training regime. This could be a swim or a long walk. You could schedule anything in here. This is refered to as an alternative training session.

As you can see the benefits and importance of training your aerobic energy system are numerous and high respectively. Indirectly your cricket fitness will struggle if you do not include aerobic-fitness training in your schedule. Aerobic-fitness Part II.

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Aerobic-Fitness Training Should be Focussed on Less.

PART I

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