Periodization is the principle of incorporating different elements of fitness and performance training in a logical continuum over the course of a specified amount of time. For example, in the off-season for certain athletes, the fitness goals will be to develop high levels of muscular strength and aerobic endurance. The duration of this phase may be 3-6 months and is called a mesocycle.
However, as the season or competition approaches, training will start to focus on more sport specific elements that are integral to the particular sport. For example, a soccer player may start developing more sport specific activities like sprinting, agility work, and plyometrics to develop explosive power. Training will change once again when the season begins or after a competition is over. Periodization refers to the way an athlete is prepared from a physical standpoint to compete in a specfic sport. Periodization also refers to the intensity, load, and progression of specific training exercises. It is a fairly complicated process once you dive into the specific sport and try to develop a highly specialized training regimen that must account for multiple factors including competition schedules, injuries, and travel.
Although periodization most often refers to competitive athletes, I believe it is also important for the recreational athlete to vary their routine througout the year to promote optimal resuts in terms of training. The following couple of blogs will deal with concept of periodization and some practical ideas of how to implement different elements througout a training year.
Stay tuned..............
M
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