Sports Science

Biodiversity and Athletes

By Coach Justin

We read recently of a scientists search for an explanation for the bizarre trend observed in the reefs off of Australia’s Queensland coast.  The sections of minimal diversity juxtaposed with areas of large diversity left him wondering what accounted for the abrupt difference.  He learned that areas of steady conditions allowed for a single species to take a strong foothold, squeezing out any attempt by new species to make a home.  Areas of highly turbulent, wave crashing zones also were home to just a species or two.  The ability of those species to adapt to an inhospitable zone stood apart from the other species.  Now, the punchline, areas that were neither stable or highly turbulent but areas that had mild disturbances and variations allowed for 100’s of species to flourish.  The introduction of new water, sunlight, food, etc allowed for a level of biodiversity far greater than the other two zones.  What does that teach us?

Athlete’s all, ultimately, hit a period where they are stable in their approach.  In the beginning this is great.  Stability builds patterns, habits, and disciplines that garner athlete’s success.  However, without the introduction of mild turbulence, steady will eventually fail to inspire an athlete’s improvement.  Likewise, aggressive turbulence leaves athletes broken, craving rest and recovery.  The magic lies in finding a way to BEND an athlete’s training program.  

Finding levers whereby applying just a bit of pressure yields great results should be the aim of any successful, long-term training program.  Where can you bend in your training approach.  What subtle tweaks could you apply pressure to and find results?  There comes a trial-and-error approach method here that will challenge any athlete, of any level, to strive for constant evaluation and modification.  That’s lifestyle-based fitness.  Happy bending 🙂