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Answers from Danny M O'Dell:

Q.When swimmers are tapering at the end of the season will a strength program interfere with the taper?

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Answer:

The question may need to be clarified before an answer can be given. Are they tapering for a big meet or just lowering the intensity of their sessions at the end of a season? If the latter, why?

A taper is built into the training program to take advantage of the strength gains of a high load or a high intensity program and to allow these gains to stack up and increase in value during the ensuing low volume but extreme high intensity workouts that are performed just prior to a big meet. Assuming we are talking along these lines then the answer will be an enthusiastic no. In every case, in all competitions, the stronger person mentally and physically will win barring unforeseen circumstances beyond the individual’s control.

The fitness fatigue model, briefly stated, is a balancing act between the effects of fatigue which result from the exercise session with the fitness benefits gained from the workout. These effects are acute and chronic in nature, i.e. the CNS, PNS and muscle responses which alter the physiological status of the person. At the same time the after effects of the sessions are enhancing the future and present performance of the athlete.

Exercise potentiation or the taper phase should be integrated within the program 10-14 days before a big meet takes place. This helps the positive neural adaptation from the strength training program and minimizes the after effects of fatigue while at the same time intensifying the fitness end of the spectrum. Add in the requisite rest and recovery and you will be on the road to success.