24/02/2024
PERIODISATION 101.
I’ve just started yet another course! This one is the Level 4 Award in Strength and Conditioning. They say the best way to learn something is to teach someone else, with that in mind I am going to be making some posts about the content I am learning as I go.
Ever find yourself wondering how the pros keep hitting their goals, seemingly without missing a beat? Well, I’ve got the lowdown on a game-changer called periodisation. It’s not just some fancy jargon; it’s the blueprint for real results.
Let’s break it down into the main acts of this strategy:
Macrocycle: Think of this as your endgame, the big goal you’re chasing over the year. Whether it’s crushing a marathon, mastering a pull-up, or simply feeling your best, this is where your eyes are set.
Mesocycle: These are your milestones along the way, lasting a few weeks to months. Each one targets specific aspects of your fitness, building you up piece by piece.
Microcycle: The weekly or daily breakdowns where the real work happens. It’s where you plan the specifics of each workout, ensuring you’re on track for the bigger picture.
And here’s how we navigate the journey:
General Preparation Phase: Building your base, where you focus on overall fitness and conditioning. It’s about laying the foundation for more intense work ahead.
Specific Preparation Phase: Tailoring your training to the specifics of your goal. It’s where the training becomes more focused, fine-tuning your body for peak performance.
Competition Phase: The peak, where you’re ready to showcase your hard work. It’s about fine-tuning and being at your best, whether for a competition or personal achievement.
Transition Phase: Time to rest and recover, reflecting on your achievements and setting sights on new goals. It’s as crucial as the training itself.
Periodisation is about smart, structured training, ensuring you’re not just working hard but also working smart. It’s about making consistent, measurable progress towards your fitness goals.
So, if you’ve been feeling stuck or unsure how to level up your training, periodisation might just be the missing piece. Let me know if you’ve got any questions!