Thursday, 4 July 2013

Progression & Periodization




Exercise progression means continually overloading the body's system by changing the exercise stimulus. Increasing weight and/or repetitions is one way to progress, but shouldn't be the only way. Your body adapts to one particular type of exercises within 4-6 weeks, after that you'll experience diminished return from your exercise program as you continue doing similar exercises and a similar range of sets, repetitions, time under tension and stability. In the case of aerobic fitness, if you continue training in a steady state. You also expose yourself to the same kind of repetitive stress injuries as factory workers when you continually do the same exact movements and work at the same intensity.  Periodization is changing your training program at regular planned intervals.

For best results, most people should Periodize their training and cycle between 2-3 different phases of training on a 4-6 week basis. If you've been focused on stable training such as machines, lying on benches and/or sitting through your workout, try standing.  It increases core activation and targets a greater cross section of muscle fibers. Once you've mastered standing, progress to exercises on a single leg, or with balance boards and balls. Then come back to a more intensive stable strength training routine. Or try plyometrics to increase power.  Another option is to include different types of training within each week.  Instead of splitting between muscle groups, try alternating workouts between strength, stability and power.

The same above concept applies to players while they are playing tennis. Players need to make their practise sessions challenging rather than hitting back to back rallies while they are standing at one particular place. Make sure to monitor your performance for every 4-6weeks.If there is no improvement,you need to restructure your training programme. Remember, If you are doing any activity over and over at the same intensity there will be no progression after a period of time and might as well lead to a injury.

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