The human body is constantly trying to maintain homeostasis, and therefore adapts to stress in its environment. Training is a simple manipulation of this stress adaptation cycle, to elicit a desired response known as supercompensation.
Supercompensation is a four-step process. The first step is the application of training or loading stress and the body's subsequent reaction; fatigue. There is a predictable drop-off in performance leading to step two; the recovery phase. During this time, a multitude of structures and systems rebuild the body back to baseline (homeostasis) and present an opportunity to adapt further, to supercompensate. This supercompensation phase is step three. Its the continued adaptive rebound above the baseline which enhances performance; occurring not only as a physiological response but also as a psychological and neurological one. The last step in the process is the loss of the supercompensation effect. This potential decline in performance occurs if no further training stress is applied, the body will again adapt to the stress or lack of and decease its potential. This is also known as detraining. Depending on the individual, each stage will look a little different but ALL training no matter age, gender, mode or application undergoes this process. Understanding it is key to success.
