The Coach's Guide to Programming and Periodization: Variable Manipu...
In the first article of this series we covered the basic principles of programming and periodization. Now let’s discuss strategies to manipulate volume and intensity, and start examining the training units used to structure training.
The Coach's Guide to Programming and Periodization: Basic Principle...
We can’t simply throw random exercises and set and rep schemes on a piece of paper haphazardly and then hope for the best. In this series I will teach you how to write programs, including a coach’s assignment for each article.
New eBook by Nate Harvey Available for Purchase: ConjugateU
The Proven and Practical Guide for Using the Conjugate Method with Athletes
Strongman Programming for Max Reps Events
I’m going to outline a 12-week program for an event that is max reps — a weight that is currently out of your reach.
elitefts Classic: How to Set Up A Program — A New Look at Weak Points
I don’t know how many questions we’ve gotten about how to train certain weak points. Of course, almost every question is in regard to a weak muscle group or a certain portion of a lift.
A Refresher on Traditional Periodization
Before there were a bunch of fancy training programs, and after Milo carried the growing cow a bit further each day, there was traditional periodization. Let’s review.
WATCH: Periodization Differences Between Small and Large Groups
In a question-and-answer session, Dave Tate and Mark Watts talk training with a group of strength and conditioning students.
Understanding the Strategy of Periodization
Knowing how to implement proper periodization will set you free from being slave to rigid programs and pre-written training plans.
WATCH: How to Design An Annual Programming for Powerlifting — Weeks 1-5 ...
This 52-week approach begins immediately after a meet and constructs a long-term plan for tying together all parts of a training program.
How to Develop a Training Philosophy
You can follow someone else’s program and just lift, or you can develop your own training philosophy by figuring shit out for yourself.
Modern Trends in Periodization
Take a look at two more modern approaches: complex periodization and Bondarchuk’s periodization
The Alternating Conjugate Periodization Model
This program combines undulatory loading with a conjugate approach for an open-fisted slap of strength-building goodness.
Dave Tate's Guide to Supplemental Movements with FULL Video
Updated with Dave Tate's FULL presentation (video) on supplemental strength from the LTT8.
Non Linear Periodization for Beginners
Mark Watts explains how deviating from a traditional linear periodization approach in young athletes may yield greater performance.
The Flexible Periodization Method: What Does French Press Coffee Have to...
Hint… It is not the caffeine.
Programming for Competitive CrossFit
Looking at CrossFit competitions, there is only one constant and that is that there are no constants
Reprogramming the Overhead Press
The body has the amazing ability to adapt to any stimulus. This can be a bad thing when it comes to training.
The Flexible Periodization Method: How to Mix Oil and Water (Part 1)
Within strength and conditioning, some studies indicate that strength training and endurance training are like oil and water.
Are We Making Progress in Football Training?
It appears that more coaches are concerned with the results that they get from doing particular exercises in the weight room and with particular pieces of equipment.
Elitefts Sports Performance Podcast Episode 1: Interview with Dan John
Elitefts.com™ Sports Performance Podcast Audio Interview with Dan John
Training with Purpose: I'm No Mechanic, but...
Planning your training and restoring a car…they’re not so different.
Training for Maximum Strength
Why is it that we have the greatest athletic talent pool in the world, but we don’t turn out world record holders like we should be able to do?
A Lion in Iron: Training—It’s Not That Complicated
If something sounds too ridiculous to actually work, it probably is. Stick with the tried and true methods.
By the Coach for the Coach: It Isn't the Strongest of the Species T...
I like to think that, as a profession, we’re much better than we were.
Overview of Periodization Methods for Resistance Training
This is a must read for any trainer, coach or athlete interested in the programming of training.
Periodization, Training, and MMA, Why All the Confusion?
Have pride in your workouts, only you can get it done!
Strength 101: Part IV - Training Periodization
Parallel systems train multiple skills simultaneously, and they progress mainly by manipulating volume, intensity, and technique as a way of teaching the body what to expect from a competition.
How to Prevent a Train Wreck: Playing the Devil’s Advocate
No matter the athletic background, the list of injuries and impairments encountered is practically endless.
Creating an Optimal Peak for Championship Season
The backbone to any successful throwing program is emphasizing technical development and training the body to perform the movements necessary to generate the farthest possible throw.
The Periodization Bible
Another problem with the Western method of periodization is that many abilities aren’t maintained.
1100 Pound Abs
The other day in the gym, the topic of ab training for strength came up. I figured there was nobody better to ask than 1100 pound squatter Matt Wenning.
What’s Best for Increasing Muscle Mass and Strength—Linear or Reverse L...
“Training is an exact science.” —Mike Mentzer
Periodization, Part II: The Science of Peaking
As opposed to the first part of this series, which could benefit anyone who trains seriously, this part is more targeted to an elite audience. Peaking isn’t of much interest to someone who doesn’t compete. Although deloading can be beneficial for any athlete, peaking goes way beyond deloading, and its temporary nature makes it irrelevant for non-competing athletes.
Periodization, Part II
Complete recovery after a hard day of training may last more than 48 hours, and training every other day isn’t really an option for elite performance (there are exceptions to this rule).
Periodization, Part I
This series is an introduction to periodization. Too often, I’ve come across people who don’t understand the foundations of training so I decided to fix this situation. Obviously, I’ll need to keep many details out for the sake of simplicity.
Concurrent Strategies in Strength Training, Part 2
For more examples regarding loading protocols, I highly recommend reading Christian Thibaudeau’s, Black Book of Training Secrets–Enhanced Edition. Most of these graphs are taken from there. Another interesting book to consider is Joe Kenn’s, Coach’s Strength Training Playbook, which is another awesome read.
Concurrent Strategies in Strength Training, Part 1
Concurrent training in the iron game was made popular by the Westside Barbell Club and Louie Simmons, who erroneously called it “conjugate.”
Are You Setting Yourself Up for Injury?
Lifting weights is easy, but preventing injuries when lifting weights is not always as simple. Because of this, it is not uncommon to find many injuries in weight training. To help prevent injuries and make your workouts more productive, here are seven key factors that you should take into account when weight training.
General Versus Special Exercises
One of the main distinguishing features of the Soviet system of training athletes is their distinction between general and specialized exercises.
To My Readers.. by The Thinker
One week ago I was offered and accepted an incredible opportunity to co-author a book outlining the physical preparation training of 6-time UFC Champion Randy Couture.
Keep It Simple Stupid (KISS)!
As a strength coach, a good athlete—let’s call him Johnny—lands in your lap. Do you wonder what brilliant programs you can create to make Johnny bigger, stronger, and faster?
Periodization for the Competitive Bench Presser
I think you may find it interesting because I compare what we train with to NSCA methods and explain to the reader why so many NSCA studies are not completely accurate for use when designing a strength program.
