Definition
Building a broad foundation of fitness qualities (strength, endurance, mobility, work capacity) rather than specializing immediately. It's the 'learn to walk before you sprint' phase that impatient athletes skip, then wonder why they're always injured.
Example Usage
The off-season focused on GPP with varied training modalities before returning to sport-specific work.
Origin
From Soviet sports training theory popularized in Western strength and conditioning
Fun Fact
GPP is the training equivalent of eating your vegetables—boring, unglamorous, but foundational to not falling apart later.
Source: Strength and conditioning methodology and periodization theory
Related Terms
Translate This Term
See “general physical preparedness” in Corporate Speak, Gen-Z Slang, Pirate Speak, and more.
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