Periodization

Every good long-term training program is built into phases to elicit a focused physical adaptation. A training phase can have any focus, but it should have a focus. An overall general goal. Common phases are hypertrophy, strength, or peaking. Each phase will build on the last. In hypertrophy we build more muscle mass. In strength we learn how to use the gained muscle mass to express strength. In peaking we learn how to use our new strength to specialize in specific movements. For a non strength sport athlete their phases will operate in the same function but may be referred to as general physical preparedness phase, intensification phase, or sport specific phase. The main difference is the benchmarks used to measure their performance will be specific to the demands of their sport. This periodization will allow for the athlete to make an improvement to an aspect of their “game” while maintaining their ability in other attributes.