What does the term training load refer to?

Training load is defined as the amount of work done in training and encompasses various factors that contribute to an athlete’s overall workload. This concept goes beyond just one specific element of training, such as distance or repetitions, and instead considers the total exertion over a training session, including intensity, duration, and volume of the work performed.

When evaluating training load, coaches and athletes assess not only quantitative measures like distance or repetitions but also qualitative factors like the intensity of the exercises and the time spent in specific training zones. Understanding the full training load helps in planning training regimens, monitoring progress, and preventing overtraining or injury, as it provides a comprehensive view of an athlete's overall training exposure.

The other choices focus only on specific aspects of training rather than the combined workload, which is why they do not represent the broader definition of training load effectively.