What is a key factor that endurance training decreases?

Endurance training primarily focuses on improving the body's ability to sustain prolonged physical activity. A key factor that is decreased through endurance training is the effort required to maintain steady-state exercise. As individuals train for endurance, their cardiovascular system becomes more efficient, and their muscles adapt by enhancing their oxidative capacity. This efficiency means that the same intensity of exercise requires less perceived effort compared to when one is untrained. Consequently, individuals find it easier to sustain exercise at a steady state, leading to improved performance and less fatigue during activities.

While muscle fatigue can be a consideration in resistance training and can indirectly relate to endurance performance, it is not the central focus of endurance training adapting the effort required for steady-state activity. Similarly, while cooling down and injury risk are important aspects of exercise, they do not directly relate to the primary physiological adaptations that occur as a result of endurance training, which is to facilitate greater efficiency and sustainability in steady-state efforts.