
How to Incorporate Periodization Training
- 1. Come up with a goal. Periodization training is all about inching closer toward your goal (s) with intentional stepping stones, says Gam. ...
- 2. Commit to a workout schedule. "For periodization to be effective, you have to be training consistently," says Gam. ...
- 3. Build your periodization program. ...
- 4. Don't ignore the built-in rest. ...
What are the applications of Periodization Training?
Applications of periodization training 1 Strength training. You may perform a 4-week program (the mesocycle) where you progressively increase the load lifted each week for 3 weeks while decreasing the number of repetitions. 2 Cycling. A cyclist may be preparing for a 100-mile bike ride in 3 months. ... 3 Running. A runner is preparing for a 5K. ...
How do you do periodization strength training?
You start by using light weight (or just your body weight) and performing more reps; and you gradually progress to heavier weight and fewer reps. Several periodization strength training models are employed by coaches and athletes today, including traditional, step-wise, undulating and over-reaching.
What is linear periodization in weight training?
The classic approach—known as “ linear periodization”—entails reaching for heavier weights every few weeks, progressing from a high training volume at a low intensity (think: 3 sets of 12 to 15 reps) to a low training volume at a high intensity (think: 5 sets of 3 reps) during the course of several months.
How long should a periodization program last?
Here’s an example of a timeline you can use for this periodization program: Here’s where the real fun begins! I’m going to give you a complete periodization program based on the phases we just went over. And this program could last you for an entire year! This will be at a high-level.

What are the 4 phases of periodization?
Periodization Phases or GoalsHypertrophy/Muscular Endurance Phase. ... Basic Strength Phase. ... Strength/Power Phase. ... Performance Peaking Phase. ... Maintenance Phase.
What is a Periodized training program?
Periodization training is the deliberate manipulation of training variables to optimize performance for competition, prevent overtraining, and progress performance. Variable adjustments in duration, load, or volume are planned out over a specific period of time to achieve these objectives ( 1 ).
What are the three levels of a Periodized program?
To develop an effective training program, it is important to understand the foundation of periodization. This foundation consists of three cycles: macrocycles, mesocycles and microcycles.
How do you program a Mesocycle?
6:0911:39Complete Strength Training Programming & PeriodizationYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipFirst let's implement the programming variables for the strength. Lifts. As we can see here we'veMoreFirst let's implement the programming variables for the strength. Lifts. As we can see here we've prescribed the volume for each lift the block starts with one set of each exercise as an introduction.
How long should periodization be?
In its most general form, classic periodization divides a long-term training period called the macrocycle (typically runs 6 months to one year with athletes, but may be up to 4 years in length such as with Olympic athletes) into several phases called mesocycles (usually lasting several weeks to months).
Why is periodization training important?
Periodization is useful for adding variations to workouts, which helps athletes avoid boredom and/or training plateaus (8). The most common and beneficial way to utilize a periodization program is to manipulate the volume and intensity of the workouts.
What are the types of periodization?
TYPES OF PERIODIZATION: LINEAR VS UNDULATING VS BLOCK VS CONJUGATELinear Periodization. Linear Periodization is when you increase intensity and decrease volume over a period of time. ... Undulating Periodization (aka Non-Linear Periodization) ... Block Periodization. ... Conjugate Periodization.
How long should a training block be?
two to four weeksUsually, a block spans anywhere from two to four weeks at a time, with increasing intensity and decreasing volume as you progress through the three distinct phases.
What are the Principles of periodisation?
There are 4 scientifically backed arguments that support periodization:The Principle of Accommodation.The General Adaptation Syndrome.Scientific Studies.Relationships Between Physical Qualities.
What are the 3 phases of training?
The Three Stages of Training, Development and CompetenceStep One: Task Induction. ... Step Two: On the Job Training, Coaching and Close Supervision. ... Step Three: Competence Assessment.
How do you program training blocks?
4:5712:21How to Create a Periodized Training Block for Hypertrophy (Updated)YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd then we want to basically start our first week at our minimum effective volume for each muscleMoreAnd then we want to basically start our first week at our minimum effective volume for each muscle group and progress in the final overload week to our maximum recoverable volume.
What is meant by periodization?
noun. an act or instance of dividing a subject into historical eras for purposes of analysis and study.
How do you use periodization training?
The classic approach—known as “ linear periodization”—entails reaching for heavier weights every few weeks, progressing from a high training volume at a low intensity (think: 3 sets of 12 to 15 reps) to a low training volume at a high intensity (think: 5 sets of 3 reps) during the course of several months.
What is periodization training for cycling?
Periodization in cycling is a series of micro and mesocycles that allow the body to build fitness and then recover from the workload that it went through. Without that recovery, training is useless. Recovery is when the body overcompensates for the training stress and makes the body stronger.
What type of periodization could be called focused training?
level questions: QuizzesQuestionAnswerWhat type of periodization could be called "Focused Training"?BlockWhat type of periodization is based on the athlete's readiness?Flexible non-linearWhat type of hypertrophy is an increase in the noncontractile element of the muscle?Sarcoplasmic79 more rows
How to get the most out of periodization?
If you’re looking to get the most out of your training program, you must understand basic periodization strength training principles. Simply going to the gym and working out will help for a short time. But without a plan, you will eventually plateau out and fail to make gains.
Why is periodization important?
Periodization is a system of training used to prevent overtraining and reduce the risk of injury by progressing slowly from one phase to the next.
What is phase 2 of exercise?
Phase 2: Hypertrophy. The phase is all about building muscle. High reps are performed with moderate weight to challenge the muscles to fatigue, stimulating size gains. Note: When performing exercises is this phase, lower the weight in a slow controlled movement.
How long does it take to build muscle in phase 3?
The phase builds on the hypertrophy phase, beginning to build overall muscular strength by lifting heavy weight for fewer reps. Duration: at least 4 weeks. Volume: 3-5×4-8 with 1.5 to 2 minutes rest. Intensity: 80-90% max.
What is periodization in training?
Periodizing Training Programs. Periodization means splitting up your training into parts where you have a specific focus for each part. As noted in an article from the International Sports Science Association, the entire plan is called the macrocycle.
Which model of periodization has been around the longest?
The model of periodization that's been around the longest is linear periodization. Linear programs progress steadily over time. An example would be adding five pounds of weight to each resistance exercise that you do per week. In that scenario, progress is steady each week.
How to keep your workouts on track?
Setting up a training program will help keep your workouts on track and make it easier to progress. It's easy to skip a workout if you don't have anything planned, but when you know what you have to do in advance there's more accountability. A 12-week periodized strength training and aerobics program doesn't have to be complicated to be effective, ...
How long does weight training last?
As your aerobic workouts hit their peak difficulty, lasting 60 minutes per session, weight training shifts to a low-rep strength-focused regimen.
What is the National Strength and Conditioning Association?
National Strength and Conditioning Association: Foundations of Fitness Programming. Human Kinetics: How Periodization is Used by Endurance Athletes. The Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research: Comparison of Resistance and Concurrent Resistance and Endurance Training Regimes in the Development of Strength.
How many aerobic workouts per week?
Aerobic Workouts. Weeks five through seven, do three aerobic workouts per week on non-consecutive days. Each workout lasts 40 minutes, with no rest. On week eight, still perform three aerobic workouts on non-consecutive days. Alternate four minutes of work with one minute of rest for the duration.
What is periodization in training?
The idea behind periodization is to take your muscle growth and strength to a new level once you’ve adapted to a particular training style. For example, you may be training heavy for strength. You’ll initially make gains but only to a certain point in which you hit a plateau.
What is Periodization?
The concept of periodization is based on Selye’s General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS). The originator, Hens Selye was performing research on the body’s response from stress, according to Garret Rieck and Justin Lindin, contributors to the article ‘ Selye’s Concept of General Adaptation Syndrome .’
Why is periodization important?
That said, periodization was a crucial part of the success of the bodybuilders. They knew that they would hit a peak on their training and needed to be able to break past those plateaus. So they would make changes to their workout routines to shock their muscles into growth.
What is the first phase of periodization?
The first phase in this periodization for bodybuilding program is going to focus on building up strength on your compound lifts: squats, deadlifts, bench press, overhead press, and barbell rows.
How long does it take to get through phase 2?
Phase 2: Mass Gains Workouts. 2-3 months. At this point, you’re a lot stronger and moving some heavy metal! Now it’s time to start adding more exercise to train your muscles from a variety of angles. You’ll still lift heavy in the beginning, so don’t worry…you’re not going to lose strength in this phase.
What is macrocycle training?
The macrocycle is composed of the majority of your training phases ( except for the final), which we’ll talk more about that later.
When did Jason Stallworth start the Muscle Program?
Hi, I'm Jason Stallworth and I created The Muscle Program in 2010 for the purpose of helping you build muscle. I know first-hand how weight training and being in the gym has shaped my life in more way than one. And here is where I share that experience with you so that you can continue pushing yourself and becoming the best version of yourself each day!
Why do we use periodization?
There are 4 major reasons to use principles of periodization in your training programs: The Principle of Accommodation, The General Adaptation Syndrome, scientific study, and the fundamental relationships between different physical qualities.
How is training load created?
A training load is created through the use of exercises performed with certain intensities, volumes, rest periods, and frequencies. The Principle of Accommodation dictates that as a certain training load is repeated over time, the performance gain decreases and the body’s response to the training program diminishes.
What happens when you make changes to a program?
When you make changes to the program, the result is a new period with new content, structure, and maybe even a new target training objective.
What is training load?
The “training load” is not a well-defined term. The word “load” may be understood as the total external force applied TO or BY the human body. The load also has a qualitative component, in which structures and systems in the body experience or create the external force.
When should the training stimulus be removed?
Lastly, the training stimulus must be removed at the beginning of, or early into, the exhaustion phase.
Can non-varied programs cause plateaus?
And some researchers conclude that “comparative studies of non-varied programs and periodized programs in which serial testing was performed demonstrate that non-varied programs can result in training plateaus, whereas, periodized programs result in more consistent fitness gains.”.
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What is periodization in exercise?
Periodisation can be defined as a system for program design that plans appropriate cycles and training phases, organises routines and manipulates all exercise variables. The key to designing really effective short, mid, and long term resistance exercise programs is to develop a system that efficiently plans, organises and manages all ...
How many stages are there in periodisation?
The type of periodisation routine shown below is used for competitive athletes. Strict periodisation consists of four or five distinct stages. Each stage has a specific goal and method of execution. Generally speaking, the program moves from lots of low intensity work to short, high intensity workouts. Each phase stresses a different aspect of the muscle (or energy systems for aerobic athletes). By changing the stress, progress can continue without reaching a plateau.
What is the focus of endurance phase?
These phases typically consist of lower intensity and higher volume routines. Muscular and cardiovascular endurance is the primary focus. However, this is also a logical phase for focusing on repetitive performance of new or difficult exercises because the intensity loads are low, which will help with attempting to master new movement patterns. Exercises that require different stabilisation strategies or have higher balance demands are ideal for additional practice during these phases. Further descriptive titles can be used for a phase if endurance weeks are combined with other complementary phases, such as a transitional-endurance phase or an endurance-hypertrophy phase. Volume recommendations range from 1-3 sets for about 15-20 reps per exercise but occasionally are prescribed with as high as 50 reps in extreme cases.
What is hypertrophy training?
Hypertrophy training covers a wide range of time under tension, so more descriptive titles can be used to designate the training priorities, such as hypertrophy-endurance phases or hypertrophy-strength phases.
How many sets per exercise for hypertrophy?
Recommendations for sets and repetitions span from 3-5 sets per exercise for 8-12 repetitions.
What is the power phase?
Power phase: To produce power, the speed or rate of force production is as important, if not more so, as the amount of force produced. For this reason, power phases of training are characterised by the use of moderate intensity and even low intensity loads, with low volumes of sets and repetitions and faster tempos.
What is power training?
Power training exacts a high neural demand for the quick productions and reductions of force, plus the increased need for dynamic stability and balance.
