Workload Management Basics

What is training load? 

Training load is the combination of different stressors. In those stressors we can include stressors associated with your sport and training and non-sport stressors. So for example pitch sessions, games, gym work, recovery sessions, technical sessions are all classified as sport stressors. The non–sport stressors include work stress, family, relationship stress, traveling, studying etc.

There are 2 types of load:

1. Internal Load 

The internal load is the individual physiological and psychological response to external loads (your physical training and daily activity) , combined with daily life stressors and other environmental and biological factors. It can be measured using perceived effort scale – athlete subjective rating of activity (RPE scale). Internal load can also include objective measures such as heart rate and blood lactate concentration.

2. External Load

External load is the external stimulus applied to the athlete. It is the objectively measurable sport and non-sport physical work – usually measured by accelerometers and GPS units.

What is wellness and why bother filling it out?

The purpose of collecting athlete wellness data is to monitor variations in the athlete recovery and stress/fatigue state as well as to identify possible ‘red flags’ for poor performance and over training. Poor wellness scores indicate potential psychological or physical under-recovery and (if it goes on for long periods) should lead to adjustments in the training program. Wellness questionnaires are key to minimizing non–contact injuries and are a very helpful tool in training load management.