Training Age vs Chronological Age: What’s the Difference?

Have you ever noticed two athletes, a few years apart, and wondered how the older, bigger athlete can lift more weight, while the younger athlete’s coordination and movement is more efficient and controlled? The difference comes down to “training age” vs “chronological age”.  

What is Chronological Age and Training Age:

Chronological age is easier to understand, as a persons’ Age, in terms of years. For example, someone born in January of 2000, would be 24 years old. Training age, refers to how long an athlete has been playing a sport, working out, etc. For instance, an athlete born January 2010 who has been playing hockey for 4 years and just started weightlifting would have Chronological Age of 14, Training age of Hockey is 4 years and 0 years of weightlifting.

Impact of Puberty and Training Age on athletes:

Puberty does not affect a players’ training age, but will impact their movement; however an athletes’ training age CAN affect their movement when hormones and puberty come into play. The athlete who has been doing bodyweight exercises and lifting weights as they grow, will appear to be more stable and fluid in their movements compared to an athlete who has yet how to move and control their body.  

Understanding Training Age and Chronological Age:

Understanding the difference between training age and chronological age can help explain variations in performance and movement efficiency among athletes, and more specifically hockey players. By focusing on training age, coaches and players can effectively plan their training programs to enhance performance in their sport.  

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Written by:

Darrid Watson, CSCS, NSCA-CPT

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