Aerobic power enables working at high intensities primarily using the aerobic system. Exceeding the anaerobic threshold can lead to burnout. Good anaerobic fitness and discomfort tolerance are essential. Muscular endurance helps maintain performance after intense exercise. Athletes need speed for the 400m and muscular strength to handle weights in labor stations. Insufficient strength can lead to significant fatigue during deadlifts, squats, and push presses.

I discovered my preferred fitness style: "conventional" fitness racing (CFT). While I respect CrossFit and its athletes, I’m not into combining Olympic Weightlifting with gymnastic movements; it’s just not my style. I refer to CrossFit as "Specialist" fitness racing, similar to Obstacle Course Racing, which has high technical demands. In contrast, conventional fitness racing emphasizes core performance qualities like strength, speed, and endurance.

In this article, I’d like to define what strength and conditioning is and take an in-depth look at what a strength and conditioning coach does.

The Definition:

Strength and conditioning, or S&C for short, refers to the physical development of competitive athletes at all levels, including elite-level sport, grassroots players or even hobbyists that want to succeed in sporting or fitness events.

In essence, a strength and conditioning coach prescribes exercises to improve the movement qualities and performance qualities of athletes.