General Physical Preparedness

General physical preparedness (GPP) is a preparatory phase of training that "is intended to provide balanced physical conditioning in endurance, strength, speed, flexibility and other basic factors of fitness..." It can be considered all-around fitness. GPP originates from translations of Russian texts on physical training. In the Russian systems coaches and trainers discovered value in paying attention to an athlete's GPP - his or her ability to perform all different types of tasks, to do lots of work and recover quickly. They would first develop GPP - a general level of physical conditioning - upon which to build sport specific skills, or Specific Physical Preparedness (SPP).

General Physical Preparedness training is not a method of training like periodization, but rather a component of training. "GPP training serves several functions: 1) the formation, strengthening or restoration of habits (skills) which play an auxiliary, facilitory role in sports perfectioning. 2) As a means of educating abilities, developed insufficiently by the selected type of sport, raising the general work capacity or preserving it. 3) As active rest, assisting the restoration processes after significant, specific loading and counteracting the monotony of the training. These functions define the role of the general-preparatory exercises in the athlete's training system."

GPP can be integrated into other training programs by working on aspects of fitness that the main source of training neglects. By using implements, weights, and bodyweight, a athlete can teach their body to go for long times through strenuous exercise at a moments notice. GPP is commonly integrated through use of sled dragging and sandbag work, however, any type of exercise may constitute GPP, depending on the context in which it is used.

See Also

• Specific Physical Preparedness
• Functional Movement