There is a lot of debate over conditioning recently. The trend since Cooper’s book has been towards aerobics. Now more strength coaches are using sports specific intervals & other means to avoid aerobics & get into shape in other ways. I have thought about this and my current conclusion is; being in good heart shape only makes everything else easier. Trying to learn new skills when you are huffing & puffing doesn’t work. Get your heart into shape in a way that doesn’t hinder your sports development, but helps it.

   

    In Stage one, you are too young to do organized conditioning. Simply playing, in as many ways as possible, often, will do the trick. Swim, run & play with friends. Go outside and be active. If you do this, and do this progressively then you will be developing a great base for the rest of your life. This stage is too young for organized races by adults, or for difficult, unpleasant practices. This stage should be about liking what you are doing.

   

    In Stage two, you can slowly begin to organize some conditioning sessions, or better yet, mix it into playing. This is a very delicate, yet important stage because you are setting the foundation for the future. If you didn’t prepare enough then you won’t be able to handle the demands of the next stage. However, if you over did it, you probably lost a lot of that necessary speed and quickness that all athletes need, not to mention possibly burnt yourself out. Therefor, it is best to keep it fun, yet slowly and progressively develop your heart through various activities such as relay race, swimming, biking and playing.

   

    In Stage three, you should have already developed a solid conditioning base. This stage requires a lot more sport specific conditioning than the previous two stages. This means interval work. The intensity starts to rise as the body can handle it better. Many forums of conditioning still should be used, especially when not “in-season”. However, to get ready for your sport, it is useful to condition similar to what will be required of you during practices.

   

    In Stage four, you are often controlled by a coach, so don’t worry they will take care of it. Use some of your off-season time though doing non-specific conditioning that’s fun to you. This will help preserve your body, keep you fresh and actually make you better.

   

    In Stage five, year round conditioning is pretty much the norm to stay competitive. Most conditioning is done directly related to your sport. Don’t forget to include some fun conditioning on your down time though. It’s more important than you may realize.