S&C – What does the C actually mean?
Conditioning, a cornerstone of athletic preparation, extends far beyond mere cardiovascular endurance.
It encompasses the holistic development of an athlete’s physiological systems to meet the specific demands of their sport or activity.
So many PT’s will be claim to be Strength and Conditioning Experts, or tell you their specialism is S&C but don’t be fooled. While most might be good at the “S” part – Strength training, the “C” is a far more complex.
This multifaceted approach to fitness enhances not only stamina, but also an athlete’s ability to perform at high intensities, recover rapidly, and maintain technical proficiency under fatigue.
By systematically stressing and adapting various energy systems, conditioning sculpts the body into a more efficient and resilient machine, capable of withstanding the rigors of competition and training. Whether it’s a marathon runner pushing through the final miles or a soccer player making a crucial play in extra time, effective conditioning can often be the difference between victory and defeat.
Conditioning refers to the cardiovascular and muscular endurance component of fitness training in the context of Strength & Conditioning (S&C).
While strength focuses on developing muscular power and force production, conditioning aims to improve an athlete’s ability to perform repeated efforts over time without fatigue.
Key aspects of conditioning:
Cardiovascular endurance: Improving the heart and lungs’ capacity to supply oxygen to working muscles during prolonged activity.
Muscular endurance: Enhancing the muscles’ ability to perform repeated contractions over extended periods.
Sport-specific energy systems: Targeting the predominant energy pathways used in a particular sport (e.g., aerobic, anaerobic lactic, or anaerobic alactic).
Recovery: Improving an athlete’s ability to recover between bouts of intense activity.
Work capacity: Increasing the overall volume of work an athlete can handle in training and competition.
Conditioning methods:
High-intensity interval training (HIIT)
Circuit training
Sport-specific drills
Tempo runs
Repeated sprint training
Cycling and swimming for low-impact conditioning
The goal of conditioning in S&C is to prepare athletes for the physical demands of their sport, enhance performance, and reduce the risk of fatigue-related injuries.
The art and science of conditioning in Strength & Conditioning programs is a dynamic and ever-evolving field.
As our understanding of human physiology and sports performance deepens, so too does the sophistication of conditioning methodologies.
The key to successful conditioning lies not just in pushing physical limits, but in intelligent program design that balances intensity, specificity, and recovery. When implemented thoughtfully, conditioning transforms athletes into more robust, adaptable, and efficient performers.
It builds not only the body, but also the mind, fostering mental toughness and confidence that transcends the training ground.
Ultimately, effective conditioning empowers athletes to push beyond their perceived limitations, setting new standards of excellence in their chosen disciplines and unlocking their full athletic potential.
Dedicated to endurance, particularly in extreme events like Ironman, OCR and Ultras, Liza stands out not just as a coach but as an emblem of determination and tenacity.
With a reputation for moulding winners and transforming raw potential into prowess, Liza is the top pick for those aspiring to reign supreme in their sport.
Liza’s coaching philosophy centres on the power of the mind. Her five pillars – Control the Controllable, Find the Positive, Focus on You, 100% Effort, and Extreme Ownership – guide athletes to both mental and physical excellence.
Whether you're just starting out or vying for the gold, Liza ensures your hard work delivers results. Train with Liza and unleash the ultimate athlete within you.