What term is used to refer to the minimum training required for an athlete to achieve their goals?

The term used to refer to the minimum training required for an athlete to achieve their goals is "minimum effective dose." This concept focuses on the smallest amount of training and stimulus necessary to produce a desired adaptation or outcome in performance. In strength and conditioning, identifying the minimum effective dose is essential for ensuring that athletes can achieve their goals without overtraining or wasting time on excessive training volume that does not yield additional benefits. The goal is to create a training regimen that is both efficient and effective, allowing athletes to improve while minimizing the risk of injury and fatigue.

Other terms, such as "optimal training load" and "maximum effective dose," imply a focus on higher volumes of training or intensity, which may not address the needs of every athlete, especially those who are just starting or have specific constraints. "Regular training threshold" is less commonly used in the context of minimum requirements and tends to describe a baseline consistency that supports ongoing development rather than targeting the least amount necessary for achieving specific goals. The clarity provided by "minimum effective dose" makes it a critical term in strength and conditioning discussions.