Periodization Training Is Crucial To Achieving Your Fitness Goals.

Periodization Training is something I fully utilize in my own workouts each time, but it is something that I also believe needs to be incorporated into everyone’s workout regimen forever.  When I use to go to the gym I would see the same scene over and over again.  Many folks would do their typical elliptical or treadmill workout and then do some sort of ab or core work.  They would do the same thing over and over again, yet I would see no results from their hours in the gym.  There are a few reasons as to why this could be happening, but one major one is that they are not using Periodization Training to enhance their results.  In this post I will detail why Periodization Training truly is the “Holy Grail of Fitness” and also put a little spin on it from the traditional definition.

What is Periodization Training?

Periodization Training is essentially variety.  It originated in Russia, with a focus primarily on strength training.  Periodization training was one of the key components that separated the Russian athletes from the rest of the world for some time.   The results were compelling as more countries, colleges, professional sports teams began utilizing Periodization Training.  When it comes to strength training, Periodization Training focuses on changing up rep count, number of sets, amount of resistance, rest times, order of the exercises, speed and tempo of each exercise, etc.  By solely doing this your muscles will never be able to adapt and will produce far more results in less time.  Doing the same thing over and over again hoping to get desired results is pure madness.  Believe me, I did that when I first started training back in the early 90′s.  Periodization Training is perfect for bodyweight workouts as well.  I use it by increasing my tempo from fast, to normal, to slow, to static.  I utilize explosive movements like plyometric training, and when I finish usually a 3 month round of primarily doing bodyweight only workouts, I then switch to weights for a month or so to add lean muscle, so I can keep the variety and muscle confusion on high.

Periodization Training For Cardio Workouts

Although Periodization Training originated from strength training, you can also use it for cardio exercises as well.  If you are a long distance runner, everyday walker, sprinter, or swimmer if you incorporate Periodization Training you will increase your cardio endurance much quicker than if you stick to your normal routine.  That is why I highly advocate Interval Training for cardio.  I also will run a couple of miles or take a long walk as well so my body is always being pushed in different ways for maximum results.

Research Shows That Periodization Training Produces Better Results

A study out of Ball State University shows that when put to the test over traditional strength, Periodization Training wins.  The study took 34 women and divided them into two groups.  Group A used the traditional approach to strength training, they hit the 8 to 12 rep to failure approach 3 times per day for 12 weeks.  Group B did 2 to 4 sets of 3 to 15 reps with weight changes for the same time frame.  The results concluded that Group B had a higher increase in lean muscle growth, more fat loss, and more added strength over group A.

Periodization Training For Your Diet?

This is the twist that I was referring to.   Variety whether it is in physical fitness or what you eat is crucial to getting as healthy as you can be.  Eating the same things day in and day out is not only boring, but could eventually lead to other digestive problems like food sensitivities for one example.  Change up what you eat.  Depending on your training goals, adhere to your diet to work for them.  Eating the same and training with variety does not even out.

Periodization training is the best thing you can do to never reach fitness plateaus, get great results on a regular basis, and separate yourself from the pack.   The “Holy Grail of Fitness” truly is Periodization Training.  I am very close to completing a free e-book for you all which incorporates Periodization Training.  You will get 5 workouts and other great content that uses Periodization Training to help you reach your goals.

Special Report - The 7 Misconceptions of Fitness *PLUS 5 BONUS Workouts!*

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