That Triathlon Show Manuel Sola Arjona - The Nature of Training and complexity science | EP#437
Jul 11, 2024
Manuel Sola Arjona, a cycling coach, former pro cyclist, and author of The Nature of Training, dives into the intriguing world of complexity science and endurance performance. He passionately explains why reductionism can cloud training effectiveness and how we should embrace a holistic approach. With insights on how environment and psychology influence performance, he advocates for flexible planning and listening to one’s body rather than relying solely on data. Manuel also highlights common coaching mistakes and shares practical advice for athletes.
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Training Is A Nested Complex System
- Manu frames training as part of a single nested complex system rather than isolated parts.
- Understanding complexity laws helps us approach sport training and health more effectively.
Human Bodies Are Adaptive Complex Systems
- Complex systems show unexpected behaviors from many interacting parts, which reductionism misses.
- Humans are adaptive complex systems and need complexity science, not just thermodynamics or isolated study.
Emergence And Nonlinearity Drive Performance
- Emergence, self-organization and circular causality explain why whole-system behavior can't be predicted from parts.
- Nonlinear responses mean a small stress can sometimes cause large failure once compensations break down.
