International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA) Trainer Practice Exam

Which principle states that our bodies will physiologically adapt according to whether we are training aerobically or anaerobically?

1. Overload principle

2. SAID principle

3. Progressive overload principle

4. GAS principle

The correct answer is: SAID principle

The principle that our bodies will physiologically adapt according to whether we are training aerobically or anaerobically is known as the SAID principle, which stands for "Specific Adaptation to Imposed Demands." This concept emphasizes that the type of adaptation our body undergoes is specific to the nature of the stress or demand placed upon it. For example, if an individual engages in aerobic exercise, such as long-distance running, the body will adapt by improving cardiovascular efficiency, increasing lung capacity, and enhancing the ability to utilize oxygen more effectively. Conversely, when training anaerobically, such as through weightlifting or sprinting, the body will adapt by building muscle mass, increasing strength, and enhancing short-burst energy systems. This principle highlights the importance of tailoring training programs to meet specific goals, as the adaptations will directly correspond to the types of training performed. The other principles mentioned, while relevant to training, do not specifically address the physiological adaptations based on the energy systems utilized. The overload principle relates to increasing the intensity or volume of training to stimulate adaptations, the progressive overload principle builds on this concept by emphasizing a gradual increase in training load, and the GAS principle, or General Adaptation Syndrome, describes the body's overall response to stress rather than