ABSTRACT
The field of sport and exercise science has improved health and fitness practitioners’ understanding of exercise physiology and psychology leading to the creation and optimisation of numerous training methods. For example, the extensive research into high intensity interval training (HIIT) has informed practitioners of how the strategy can be incorporated within a training programme to optimise health, fitness and performance outcomes (see Chapter 12). With copious training programmes available on the Internet, in magazines and books, etc., it is tempting for trainers to experiment with ‘the latest’ training programme. However, this approach will invariably produce inconsistent and often unsatisfactory results. A more effective approach involves the trainer evaluating training programmes using scientific evidence alongside their professional experience. Moreover, exploring the research behind many training techniques will enable the trainer to apply the findings of scientific studies to design and implement effective, individualised training programmes. In order for this to occur trainers must develop an understanding of the fundamental principles of training.
