Fast Talk 395: The Difference Between Efficiency and Economy, and Why You Should Care
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Oct 30, 2025 Dr. Ray Browning, an exercise scientist and biomechanist who co-founded Biomodem and played a key role in Nike's Breaking2 project, dives into the crucial distinction between efficiency and economy in sports. He explains efficiency as energy output versus input, while economy focuses on energy required per velocity. Browning shares insights from the Breaking2 project, highlighting how footwear innovations enhanced running economy. He also discusses the importance of improving economy for better performance and offers actionable strategies to optimize training.
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Limitations Of Metabolic Measurements
- Metabolic carts measure steady-state aerobic energy well but miss non-aerobic contributions at high intensity.
- Efficiency and economy measures are most valid during steady-state aerobic exercise.
Efficiency Changes Are Slow
- Efficiency appears trainable slowly via muscle-fiber and structural changes, but requires long-term training and good studies.
- Evidence suggests modest efficiency gains occur over years rather than weeks or months.
Train Neuromuscular Control
- Do neuromuscular training to reduce co-contraction and improve muscle coordination, lowering metabolic cost for the same output.
- Practice sport-specific skills repeatedly; experience often reduces wasteful muscle activation.