With so many training plans available, what actually makes a good training programme? The post What Makes a Good Training Programme? appeared first on FITNITIATIVE.
A simple google search can yield you more training programs than you can shake a stick at.
Whether you looking to lose weight, get in shape, build muscle, or simply be more physically active.
You really don’t have to look far to find the next best training programme to get you in “superhero shape”.
Plus, more often than not you can find a program for free.
Or get one off your mate who’s being going to the gym for two months and is suddenly an expert.
With so many options, it begs the question, what makes a good training programme?
Let’s dive in
You Can Do It Consistently
Truth be told there’s only one best programme.
And that’s the one that you can stick to consistently.
You can be given the best programme in the world, design and tested by the best athletes, S&C coaches, scientists etc.
But if you don’t stick to it, then it really doesn’t matter.
The programme you can do consistently over a period of time is what will yield you the best results.
Hoping from programme to programme every 2 weeks with shiny object syndrome is only going to keep you circling back to square one.
It Includes Exercise Variations That Work for You
Some exercises just aren’t for everyone.
Whether it’s a physiology thing (i.e., your body just won’t permit said movement without discomfort).
A training age thing (i.e., you’re too weak or too inexperienced).
A goal thing (i.e., the exercises don’t actually make much sense for what you’re trying to achieve).
Or simply a dislike thing (i.e., you detest an exercise). Which actually ties into my previous point as it may affect your consistency in doing it.
There are tonnes of exercises out there.
Whilst most can be boiled down into basic movement patterns, there are different variations and subtle nuances within these variations which can make an exercise better for you.
It's Progressive
Progressive overload is king when it comes to training programmes.
Progressive overload means advancing the training stimulus over time.
Or in layman’s term, it gradually gets harder.
This is where the gainz happen.
You train, adapt, make it harder, train, adapt, make it harder etc.
The two most basic ways to progressively overload are through increasing the load and/or volume.
Increasing the load = lifting heavier.
Increasing the volume = doing more reps and/or sets.
If the programme doesn’t do at least that (or show you how), well then results will run dry pretty quicky.
It Trains Multiple Joints and Patterns
Is there a place for purely isolation exercises in a programme?
Potentially, depending on what you’re trying to achieve.
But for most people, big compound movements that train multiple joints are what’s needed.
Using different patterns that work the whole body over the course of a programme are also a key indicator of a good programme.
I.e., Squat, Hinge, Lunge, Upper Pull (Vertical and Horizontal), Upper push (Vertical and Horizontal), Rotational work and loaded carries.
Your body is more than just chest and biceps.
It’s comprised of over 600 muscles that work together to produce movement in all kids of complex patterns.
A good training programme should at the very least give you a well-rounded approach to training that targets as many of these major muscles as it can, whilst working through a variety of movement patterns.
Do you want an effective training plan for lasting results?
The post What Makes a Good Training Programme? appeared first on FITNITIATIVE.
