Neurotransmitters
Lifting solely single repetition lifts, as in the Bulgarian system, some call the ‘maximal effort
method’ (Zatsiorsky & Kraemer, 2006). This type of training has certain benefits, as the same
authors explain: “The method of maximal effort is considered superior for improving both
intramuscular and intermuscular coordination; the muscles and central nervous system
(CNS) adapt only to the load placed on them. This method should be used to bring forth the
greatest strength increments. CNS inhibition, if it exists, is reduced with this; thus the
maximal number of MUs [motor units, ed. note] is activated with optimal discharge frequency
and the biomechanical parameters of movement and intermuscular coordination are similar
to the analogous values in the main sport exercise. A trainee then learns to enhance and
memorize these changes in motor coordination (on a subconscious level). But using this
method over a longer time is very strenuous for the CNS, and it is easy for the athlete to burn
out”. This syndrome, some authors calling ‘nonfunctional overreaching’ (NFOR) (Meussen et
al., 2007), is detrimental to sports performance, with underperformance, psychological
disturbances, and in some cases insomnia and depression as consequences (Uusitalo et al.,
2004). NFOR contrasts to ‘overreaching’ (OR) in the sense that NFOR is a persistent state,
whereas OR should (if not, NFOR may occur) be followed by periods of ‘underreaching’
(UR). This to realize a period of supercompensation (Meussen et al., 2007), and avoid a burn
out1. This type of approach is embedded in Russian weightlifting methodology, where OR
called ‘stress microcycles’, precedes microcycles of reduced loading (Zatsiorsky & Kraemer,
2006). Sometimes several stress microcycles are employed in a sequence, with consequently
microcycles of reduced loading, to elicit the ‘long-term delayed training effect’ and avoid a
burn out (Verkhoshansky & Siff, 2006). The pertinent question to address is therefore:
1
’Non-functional overreaching’ (NFOR) will hereinafter be called a ‘burn out’.
Lifting solely single repetition lifts, as in the Bulgarian system, some call the ‘maximal effort
method’ (Zatsiorsky & Kraemer, 2006). This type of training has certain benefits, as the same
authors explain: “The method of maximal effort is considered superior for improving both
intramuscular and intermuscular coordination; the muscles and central nervous system
(CNS) adapt only to the load placed on them. This method should be used to bring forth the
greatest strength increments. CNS inhibition, if it exists, is reduced with this; thus the
maximal number of MUs [motor units, ed. note] is activated with optimal discharge frequency
and the biomechanical parameters of movement and intermuscular coordination are similar
to the analogous values in the main sport exercise. A trainee then learns to enhance and
memorize these changes in motor coordination (on a subconscious level). But using this
method over a longer time is very strenuous for the CNS, and it is easy for the athlete to burn
out”. This syndrome, some authors calling ‘nonfunctional overreaching’ (NFOR) (Meussen et
al., 2007), is detrimental to sports performance, with underperformance, psychological
disturbances, and in some cases insomnia and depression as consequences (Uusitalo et al.,
2004). NFOR contrasts to ‘overreaching’ (OR) in the sense that NFOR is a persistent state,
whereas OR should (if not, NFOR may occur) be followed by periods of ‘underreaching’
(UR). This to realize a period of supercompensation (Meussen et al., 2007), and avoid a burn
out1. This type of approach is embedded in Russian weightlifting methodology, where OR
called ‘stress microcycles’, precedes microcycles of reduced loading (Zatsiorsky & Kraemer,
2006). Sometimes several stress microcycles are employed in a sequence, with consequently
microcycles of reduced loading, to elicit the ‘long-term delayed training effect’ and avoid a
burn out (Verkhoshansky & Siff, 2006). The pertinent question to address is therefore:
1
’Non-functional overreaching’ (NFOR) will hereinafter be called a ‘burn out’.
