The principle of specificity is one of the core components of any type of fitness or exercise training. The reason that it is an integral part for any training program is based on our own body’s basis for adaptation. What this means is that the human body will adjust to specific circumstances over a period of time so for benefit. As exercise physiologists we apply this using a simple acronym - S.A.I.D principle. This means that any tissue in the body will eventually alter its properties when undergoing specific adaptations to imposed demands in order to maintain or improve performance. Also what the principle of specificity states is that you cannot obtain the same benefit/improvement in a sports attribute by training in another attribute, for example in order to become a good cyclist you must train on the bike, you cannot obtain the same benefit for cycling by going for runs or swimming. There is some cross benefit; however that aspect is out of the prerogative of this article.
Earlier in the article I mentioned fitness and exercise training, the reason that the principle of specificity is core in the development of exercise programs that are oriented to maximally benefit you as the client. Exercise programs can be designed to be functional – maximise your health and well being in regards to lifestyle and activities of daily living. Or can be sports attribute specific, such as flexibility, strength, power or agility. This means that as exercise physiologist we can develop programs for you that can be specific for one of the above mentioned attributes or any combination, the important factor is that as the client you are clear about your needs/desires and goals so that your exercise program can be designed and tailored to meet your needs or goals.

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