What does special endurance refer to?

Special endurance is defined as the ability to perform repetitive tasks at or near maximal effort. This concept is particularly relevant in sports and physical training, where athletes often engage in activities that require sustained effort over time, pushing their physical limits. Unlike general endurance, which may focus on maintaining lower intensity over longer durations, special endurance emphasizes maintaining high intensity and effort levels for shorter periods while still being able to repeat these efforts multiple times, such as during interval training or competitive sports events.

This ability is crucial for athletes whose sports involve repeated sprints or efforts, as they need to both exert maximum force and recover quickly between each effort. Training programs targeting special endurance often combine elements of strength training and interval work to optimize an athlete's performance capabilities in their specific sport. The development of special endurance can lead to improved overall performance, allowing athletes to maintain higher work rates during competitions or intense training sessions.