General Physical Preparation, also known as GPP, lays the groundwork for later
Specific Physical Preparation
Specific Physical Preparedness (abbreviated SPP), also referred to by Sports-specific Physical Preparedness is the status of being prepared for the movements in a specific activity (usually a sport).
Specific training includes movements specific ...
, or SPP. In the GPP phase, athletes work on general conditioning to improve strength, speed, endurance, flexibility, structure and skill. GPP is generally performed in the off-season, with a lower level of GPP-maintenance during the season, when SPP is being pursued. GPP helps prevent imbalances and boredom with both specific and non-specific exercises by conditioning the body to work.
Purpose
GPP is the initial stage of training. It starts every cycle of training from the macro-, meso- and microcycle after restoration and recovery. It consists primarily of general preparatory and some specialized conditioning exercises to work all the major muscles and joints. This preparation prepares the athlete for the more intense training such as explosive plyometrics. This period is also used for rehabilitation of injured muscles and joints, strengthening or bringing up to par the lagging muscles and improvement of technique.
Specific example
For the high-level and elite athlete in endurance sport like
cycling
Cycling, also, when on a two-wheeled bicycle, called bicycling or biking, is the use of cycles for transport, recreation, exercise or sport. People engaged in cycling are referred to as "cyclists", "bicyclists", or "bikers". Apart from tw ...
or long distance trail, GPP counts more or less for 70-80% of the training time through
Long Slow Distance
Long slow distance (LSD) is a form of aerobic endurance training used in sports including running, rowing, skiing and cycling.Burke, Ed and Ed Pavalka. 2000. ''The complete book of long-distance cycling: build the strength, skills, and confiden ...
.
References
{{Reflist
Exercise physiology