Periodising your training involves dividing your weeks or months into distinct phases or periods, each designed to achieve specific goals. These goals may vary, but the structured approach of periodisation consistently leads to better results over time. Here’s why we periodise your training at Momentum Performance Training:
1. Progressive Overload:
Periodisation allows for the systematic application of progressive overload, which is the primary driver of hypertrophy and strength in the gym. By implementing micro-progressions over time, your body can adapt to new stimuli. This is achieved by incrementally increasing sets, reps, or load. Without periodisation, progression becomes challenging, making it harder to break through plateaus.
2. Injury Prevention:
Periodised training helps in preventing injuries. Continuously lifting the same loads or attempting to increase them indefinitely can lead to overuse injuries such as tendinopathies. Planned deloads every few training blocks provide your body with the necessary recovery time, managing fatigue and reducing the risk of injury over the long term.
3. Optimised Performance:
Periodisation allows athletes to peak during competition seasons. By incorporating more intense training periods leading up to competitions and including exercises specific to your goals, you can prepare your body to perform optimally on game or competition day. This strategic approach ensures you are at your best when it matters most.
4. Fatigue Management:
Structured training programs help manage fatigue more effectively. By varying the intensity and volume of your workouts, you can prevent overtraining and ensure sustained progress. This balance between work and recovery is crucial for long-term success.
5. Long-Term Adaptation:
As you become a more advanced athlete, periodization becomes increasingly important. It allows for continuous improvement, better management of training variables, and more predictable outcomes. This approach helps you adapt to higher levels of stress and perform at your peak.
6. Specific Goal Targeting:
Each phase of periodised training can focus on different aspects of fitness, such as strength, hypertrophy, power, or endurance. This specificity ensures that all facets of your athletic performance are developed and refined over time.
7. Mental Engagement:
Periodisation keeps your training varied and interesting, which can prevent burnout and maintain motivation. The structured changes in focus and intensity help keep your workouts engaging and challenging.
8. Scientific Backing:
Numerous studies support the effectiveness of periodised training over non-periodised approaches. The systematic variation in training loads leads to superior strength and hypertrophy gains compared to constant, unvarying routines.
9. Adaptation to Individual Needs:
Periodisation can be tailored to meet individual needs and goals, making it a versatile approach for athletes of all levels. Whether you are preparing for a specific event or aiming for general fitness improvements, a periodised plan can be customised to suit your requirements.
10. Professional Guidance:
Working with a coach enhances the benefits of periodised training. Coaches can design periodised programs based on your progress, goals, and feedback, ensuring optimal performance and continuous improvement.
Overall, periodisation is a key component in effective training programs. It enables better fatigue management, enhances performance, and provides more predictable and sustainable results. Whether you’re an aspiring athlete or a seasoned competitor, incorporating periodisation into your training regimen is essential for achieving long-term success.