ABS Audio Newsletter Issue 10

Issue 10: Periodization

ISSUE 10:

Periodization: What is this fancy term and why should we aim to optimize it?

Coaching requires a comprehensive service be provided to the client. This service tends to include (hopefully) a individualized resistance training plan. Additionally, with more comprehensive coaching services offered by appropriately educated coaches, nutrition, mobility, speed/agility coaching plans may also be included. All these services and plans are great; however, they really ought to fit together in a complementary fashion. This, friends, is where periodization comes into play!

Periodization is defined as: the planned manipulation of training variables (load, sets, and repetitions) in order to maximize training adaptations and to prevent the onset of overtraining syndrome. In this case we are pre-planning a future series of training ahead of time in a manner that makes sense logically, practically, and optimally for ultimate goal completion. The periodization model can be broken down into several components. There are several components that comprise the Macrocycle (largest periodization time course). The list includes: Training blocks, mesocycles, microcycles, and single sessions.

The questions we aim to answer include the following:

1. Why should we periodize our training?

2. How long can we periodize our training for?

3. Who might benefit from a well periodized plan?

4. Do you need to periodize to make progress?

5. Must I strictly adhere to the plan as periodized or may I adapt?

6. Motivational sendoff!

I greatly appreciate your viewership; catch you all in the comments. Stay tuned for the 11th issue next week!

---