Pre-Season Conditioning Tests: Aerobic vs. Anaerobic | Cardio Talk

Decoding Excellence

In this “Cardio Talk” edition of the Decoding Excellence Show, I’m diving into pre-season basketball conditioning tests—and why different coaches lean on very different approaches.

Some favor more aerobic-based tests like the mile run or 3-minute baseline touches, while others prefer anaerobic measures like side-line touches or the 300-yard shuttle. Both approaches have their place, but which one actually prepares athletes best?

In this episode, I break down:

• The pros and cons of aerobic vs. anaerobic conditioning tests

• What we’re using here at Colorado this pre-season

• Why building a strong aerobic base is critical for October’s 20-hour practice weeks

• How these tests tie into bigger decisions on readiness, recovery, and performance

Whether you’re a coach, athlete, or sport scientist, this Walk & Talk pulls back the curtain on how we evaluate and prepare our teams for the grind ahead.

If you’re serious about training design, athlete monitoring, or building durable and explosive players, this one’s loaded with practical takeaways you can apply immediately.

🎯 Additionally, I share details about the Former Athlete Society—my private community built exclusively for former college athletes who want to level up their fitness, training, and recovery.

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✅ A community discussion board to connect & share wins

✅ A full classroom with education modules on training & performance

✅ A leaderboard to reward engagement & consistency

✅ A calendar for live coaching calls & Q&A sessions

🔥 Join the Former Athlete Society here:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://adamringler.com/formerathlete⁠⁠⁠

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