AUTHOR=Bell Lee , Nolan David , Immonen Velu , Helms Eric , Dallamore Jake , Wolf Milo , Androulakis Korakakis Patroklos 

TITLE=“You can't shoot another bullet until you've reloaded the gun”: Coaches' perceptions, practices and experiences of deloading in strength and physique sports

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Sports and Active Living

VOLUME=Volume 4 - 2022

YEAR=2022

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/sports-and-active-living/articles/10.3389/fspor.2022.1073223

DOI=10.3389/fspor.2022.1073223

ISSN=2624-9367

ABSTRACT=The aim of this research was to explore strength and physique coaches’ experiences of deloading: the purposeful reduction in overall training demand with the intention of enhancing preparedness for successive training cycles. To date, no studies have directly explored the concept of deloading in strength and physique sports. Eighteen strength and physique coaches from a range of sports (weightlifting, powerlifting and bodybuilding) participated in semi-structured interviews to discuss their experiences of deloading. Some participants (n = 7) represented multiple sports. Qualitative content analysis identified 3 categories: definitions, rationale, and application. Participants conceptualised deloading as a periodic, intentional cycle of reduced training demand, designed to facilitate fatigue management, improve recovery, and assist in overall training progression and readiness. There was no single method of deloading; instead, a reduction in training volume and intensity of effort were the most adapted training variables, along with alterations in exercise selection and configuration. Deloading was typically prescribed for a duration of 5 to 7 days and programmed every 4 to 6 weeks, although periodicity was highly variable. Additional findings highlight the underrepresentation of deloading in the published literature, including a lack of a clear operational definition.