A bike is a bike is not a bike, a shoe is a shoe is not a shoe...
After this nonsensical sounding heading, we will begin a story about training in several chapters. We will take a closer look at a complex topic from different angles of view.
Chapter 1, Body perception
Let us assume that we are dealing with the body/organism as a stimulus/signal/impulse processing and self-regulating machine. Then body perception could be described as the result of all the stimulus/signal/impulse going in to calculation. By using this simple and factual definition it is possible to understand different ways of perception of the own body. Does this explanation sound too simple to you? We think it can be understood in such a plain manner. When the signal patterns change, the calculator's performance changes as well, and vice versa. If this process is prohibited, regardless of the cause, the reason is a circuit made of feedback loops and control cycles and an inappropriate result comes out. The consequences are versatile and can range from the feeling of suddenly quarreling with the technique of a shoe, a surf board or a bicycle all the way to feeling ill.
Training means a constant improvement of the calculator's performance by integration of changing and repeating signal patterns. If the body generates the feeling of wellbeing, this stands for a perfect calculating performance under certain circumstances. In cases of changing signals, limited processing performance - both can occur at the same time - this condition can change immediately. In his section we will be talking about the learning of a technique and changing the acquired technique. From coaches and trainers you will probably often hear the words that, you are supposed to listen to your body, first consciously and – even better - subconsciously. Body and mind should form one entity.
The phrase undoubtedly indicates a trend towards a holistic view of the organism. It is influenced by a mixture of different points of view from biology, psychology, naturopathy, sport science, sport medicine, nutrition science, personal experience…and more. And because of this we have tried to find a simple, unstirred definition that quickly shows what changes mean for the body machine. The greater the difference between the usual state and the condition that is trying to be obtained, the greater the processing that the body must perform. Training is nothing less than practicing-the processing operations must be repeated until the paths of nerve connections are established which enable a stable channel for the impulse. Whenever well trained signal constellations (sensory stimuli, afferences) are existent, they are processed into the desired movement pattern. This also works under stress. It might sound rather trivial to those, who have had to relearn talking or speaking after a stroke, just as to a child that must learn to eat with a spoon, or an athlete who wants to improve his running or cycling technique.
Searching for a constellation of stimuli that can be best processed by my body machine
This assignment is not trivial. The rehabilitation of a stroke patient can be exhausting. It can also be difficult to correct a trained, but wrong movement pattern e.g. while swimming, or to learn driving over 30 years of age. It is made even more difficult by the fact that you can't tell if you have been 'practicing' the proper technique, nutrition or training schema, until you have practiced for a while.
So there is no way of gaining knowledge about it without giving the body some time to deal with it. Unfortunately impatience is a constant companion of many athletes. The body machine also looses flexibility with rising of age. Regeneration, learning or changing a technique requires an increasing amount of time.
The parameter body perception or feeling good as a widespread indicator for strain
Chris McCormack – Triathlon World Champion Long Distance 2007- says that the whole trick is, to know what it means to feel really good. Only under such circumstances it is possible to access performance on the spot and remain uninjured. Training and becoming tired, reaching limits without wrecking yourself, is an art that only few can master. An art, because no more direct and complete – but at the same time immeasurable - parameter exists, to reach this goal.
There are tools that can guide our way to wellbeing such as heart rate, lactate, urea, creatine kinesis, VO2 or the state of not suffering from injuries, pain or infections. The disadvantage of these parameters are the broad individual fluctuations and the overestimation of their importance.
The goals and the technique may vary; the process is always the same
Body perception is a feeling that is acquired, when the gap between target - and actual condition closes. It requires motivation and practice, training. As a child you learn to ride a bike, because you would like to move faster and more independently, or because others do so. As a triathlete, the relation to your bike changes. You will try to ride quickly with the least possible strain. The bike and all its technical detail is spilt up and put into question together with the process of riding itself. Wheels, pedal position, frame size and handle position are all given their own importance. The motion cycle is analyzed and the perception from child age is taken apart and put back together and improved until a new perception has emerged - a new oneness between you and your bike.
This procedure does not always work. It requires a lot of practice and training. In the best case you melt into one with your bike. You move as safely as on two legs. You do not even notice it anymore:it becomes a part of you. But if the structure of your bike changes this process begins anew. The changed incoming stimulus patterns (afferences) change your perception of the bike and interrupt your movement pattern (motor efferences), until a new balance is calculated through practice.
Countless examples could be named here. The same applies to such simple objects as a shoe. Whereas, shoes are especially stubborn companions. A shoe that does not distort your body perception is worth a lot. The smallest change to the sole, a body part very sensitive o wellbeing and body perception, can give you the feeling of being impaired. Therefore: Never change a winning team. This applies to things as well as humans, one can hardly believe it.