Coming from a physics background, a work capacity is the ability of a machine/object to impart work/energy to its surroundings to change their energy states for a given duration of time. Whenever we lift/exercise, we are doing work on our surroundings to increase their energy states, like making a bar move faster (increase in kinetic energy) and deadlifting a bar to a certain height (increase in mechanical energy).
Our body is only capable of doing so much work before the physical and mental systems in the body fatigue in a workout. But I look at elite athletes like Kobe (RIP buddy) and you always hear these ridiculous stories of them working out in 2 hours in the morning, then shotting for 2 hours followed up by team practice for 6 hours followed by more shooting after team practice for 2 hours. That man had a RIDICULOUS work capacity when you consider all of the weight he lifted, the balls he shot, the miles he ran. And then he repeats it every day.
I am not like that. I am a mostly average person where I workout for 1.5 h, get my volume in and then I am pooped. Forget about running after. I can do that 4-5 times a week and I am pretty drained after my workouts and tired. I'm not saying I'm weak but I am definitely don't have a super human work capacity like these other athletes.
How can I increase that said work capacity? Is it a matter of pushing through this mental barriers, toughing through the pain and eventually your body adapts? Is it increasing the intensity of your workouts? What are everyone's thoughts on the matter?
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