Periodization for Strength Training by Chris Gellert

Introduction

Strength training is something that all individuals need to do, but as a personal trainer, do you know the science behind the training? This article will the fundamental principles of periodization training as it relates to strength training.

Foundation of Periodization Training

Why is it important to understand periodization training? Periodization training is the cornerstone of training any client, athlete or individual post therapy, assisting them in reaching their optimal health and desired goals. Understanding and then applying these core principles with program design will provide the personal trainer with the abilities to help a client reach their goals systematically. Any strength-training program should apply the five basic laws of training to ensure adaptation occurs and avoidance of injury.

The Five Basic Laws of Strength Training

Tudor Bump, PhD is a pioneer in the field of strength & conditioning, program design and periodization training. Through his research and experience, he has created the five basic laws of strength training. These laws have not only proved to be essential for athletes, but through extensive evidenced based research (randomized controlled trials (RCT) and various studies), have shown they are essential for proper development and to avoid injury. In this next section, the five basic laws are explained.

Law Number One: Develop Joint Flexibility

Most strength training exercises use the range of motion of major joints. Proper joint Flexibility prevents stress to the weight bearing joints, prevents injuries and pain.

Law Number Two: Develop Tendon Strength

Muscle strength improves faster then tendon and ligament strength. Tendons and Ligaments grow strong through anatomical adaptation. Without proper anatomical Adaptation, vigorous strength training can injure the ligaments and tendons. Training tendons and ligaments causes them to enlarge in diameter, increasing their ability to withstand tension and shearing.

Law Number Three: Develop Core Strength

The arms and legs are only as strong as the trunk. Strength training programs Should first strengthen the core muscles before focusing on the periphery: arms and legs. Weak core muscles fail in these essential roles, limiting an individual or athlete to perform optimally. According to the research, muscles of the spine are comprised of Type I slow-twitch (ST) fibers because of their supporting role to the arms and legs.

Law Number Four: Develop the Stabilizers

Prime movers work more efficiently with strong stabilizing muscles. Stabilizers contract, primarily isometric ally, to immobilize a limb so that another part of the body can act. A weak stabilizer inhibits the contracting capacity of the prime movers. Improperly developed stabilizers may hamper the activity of major muscles. At the shoulder, the supraspinatus and infraspinatus assist with lifting and rotating the arm.

The research has shown the difference among men and women indicating that women possess weaker gluteus medius and glute minimus muscles. Men typically those who play sport develop tight external rotators (piriformis) and glute maximus muscles. Therefore, stretching the tight postural muscles (piriformis) and strengthening the weaker phasic muscles such as glute medius will provide increased stability at the hip.

Law Number Five: Train movements, not Individual Muscles

Athletes should resist training muscles in isolation as in bodybuilding. Athletic skills involve the contraction of synergistic muscles that perform the movement. For example, a takeoff to catch a ball has the following kinematic chain motion: hip extension, the knee extension and finally ankle plantar flexion enabling the feet to apply a force against the ground to lift the body. Therefore, training the movement of the athlete instead of specific muscle only is essential for optimal performance by the athlete.

Periodization Training Phases

When it comes to Periodization Training there are three main phases that an individual or athlete goes through. This includes the Preparatory Phase, Competitive Phase and Transition Phase

1. Hypertrophy Phase (Preparatory Phase)

Occurs during the early stages of the Preparatory Phase and is usually the longest Phase within an annual plan

The major emphasis within this period is to develop a general framework/base level of conditioning in order to increase tolerance for more intense training. This phase begins with training at low intensity and high volume. The goals are to develop and promote hypertrophy, improve neuromuscular activity, increase connective tissue strength and increase lean muscle mass, which will be utilized later in the training cycles.

The specific objectives of training are as follows:

  • To acquire/improve general physical training
  • Improve the biomotor abilities of a given sport
  • To develop, improve or perfect technique/to teach the athlete the theory and methodology of training

2. Basic Strength Phase (Preparatory Phase Continued)

This phase emphasizes to continue to develop/ increase muscular strength of the muscles that is required for sport-specific activity. Utilization of multi-joint exercises to allow recovery time between exercises.

This period also serves to strengthen articular cartilage. This phase begins training at an increased intensity as well as moderate volume overall.

3. First Transition Phase

Is just like it sounds, a “transition” where the individual or athlete is beginning to change not only intensity, but also total volume and effort with each rep.

4. Power Phase (Late Preparatory Phase)

In essence, the goal is to develop muscular power with increased intensity and to continue sport-specific training with increased intensity and reduced training volume. Skill technique and game strategy are of primary importance as well as exercise prescription in plyometrics, speed drills, sprinting technique, etc.

Strength Training Effectiveness

In order for strength training to be effective, the body must experience a specific load. The overload principle is one of the seven big laws of fitness and training. Simply put, the overload principle states that you have to increase the intensity, duration, type, or time of a workout progressively in order to see adaptations within the body.

General guidelines of strength training during the Strength Phase of training:

  • The training cycle typically lasts 8-12 weeks
  • Intensity: 80-90% of 1 RM
  • Volume: moderate
  • Sets/reps: 3-6 sets at 6-8 reps
  • Rest period: 2-3 minutes
  • Training frequency: 2-3x week
  • Application: develop stabilizers through exercises such as lunges, multidirectional lunges, multi-joint exercises

Summary:

Strength training is something that everyone can benefit from. Understanding the fundamental principles of periodization training can provide you the personal trainer to help your client achieve his/her goals.

Chris Gellert, PT, MMusc & Sportsphysio, MPT, CSCS, C-IASTM

Chris is the CEO of Pinnacle Training & Consulting Systems(PTCS). A continuing education company that provides educational material in the forms of evidenced based home study courses, ELearning courses, live seminars, DVDs, webinars, articles and teaching in-depth, the foundation science, functional assessments and practical application behind Human Movement. Chris is both a dynamic physical therapist with 19 years experience, and a personal trainer with 20 years experience, with advanced training, has created 16 home study courses, is an experienced international fitness presenter, writes for various websites and international publications, consults and teaches seminars on human movement. For more information, please visit www.pinnacle-tcs.com.

References

Baechle, Thomas., Earle, Roger, 2000. Essentials of Strength and Conditioning. 2nd edition.
Human Kinetics. pp. 30-32, 309-310, 428-431, 482-484, 496, 502-504, 514-518.

Bompa, Tudor, 1999. Periodization: Theory and Methodology of Training. 4th edition.
Human kinetics. pp. 15, 214-224.

Bompa, Tudor, 1999. Periodization: Training for Sports. Programs for peak strength in 35 sports.
Human Kinetics. pp. 10-13, 84-130, 171-173, 334-335, 370-371.

Bompa, T., and Claro, F. 2009. Periodization in Rugby. Maidenhead: Meyer & Meyer Sport (UK) Ltd.

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Hlubi Mboya Puts Her Fitness Passion into Practice with HFPA Qualifications

Actress, adventurer, athlete and goodwill ambassador Hlubi Mboya-Arnold does it all. Driven by a desire for self-mastery and constant improvement, Hlubi actively seeks opportunities to challenge herself and step out of her comfort zone.

Whether that’s stepping onto the competitive Bikini stage, climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro or riding the world’s toughest mountain bike stage race, the Absa Cape Epic, Hlubi revels in the thrill of venturing into the unknown – constantly taking on new adventures and challenges is what gets her through her training every day.

But it’s more than just her drive and commitment that makes Hlubi a fitness role model of the highest calibre. She achieves all this despite her hectic schedule, where she juggles her career in the deadline-driven media industry, while still finding time to pursue her passion for social entrepreneurship and community upliftment.

It’s a demanding lifestyle that Hlubi masters with rigorous physical and mental preparation. And when there’s an opportunity to combine the two, Hlubi doesn’t hesitate to exploit it. That’s why she has aligned her personal brand with South Africa’s premier provider of fitness education – the HFPA Fitness Academy

Developing Body and Mind

“I got involved with HFPA because I wanted to be something more than just a sports and fitness lover. I’ve always been serious about the things I love most in life, which is why I wanted to take my passion for health and fitness to a new level. I wanted to dig deeper and discover more, and education creates opportunities to do that.”

Beyond simply satisfying her curiosity and quenching her desire for personal growth, Hlubi also felt it was important to formalise her education as a brand ambassador and fitfluencer.

“I work hard to be a credible role model, particularly to young black girls. I want to show them that they can break the mould and do things differently. And by broadening my competencies through on-going education, I can empower others with the information I share. There is so much poor, unqualified advice out there on social media, which is why I want to make sure I can cut through the clutter and add value in others’ lives.”

Aligning values

Hlubi says her decision to align with HFPA was an easy one based on the brand’s reputation and the recommendations she received from her friends and colleagues in the health and fitness industry.

“HFPA offers diversity in their subject matter and courses, and are also inclusive, catering to every sector of the industry and society. These are values that resonate with me.”

And the HFPA team also recognised the similarities, which prompted the them to sign up Hlubi as a brand ambassador.

https://www.instagram.com/p/By7ePx6Fikh/

“HFPA lets me be authentic about my passion for sport and fitness, which is important because going by the book bores me. I’m all about energy, which aligns with HFPA’s culture. The brand also embodies the values of balance and constant progress, which is what I strive for every day.”

Lean, mean learning machine

This association has given Hlubi unfettered access to HFPA’s rich resources, which she plans to utilise to its full potential.

“I love HFPA’s learning environment – it’s open and dynamic. It’s also innovative, offering full-time and distance learning options with workshop study modes available, which makes it accessible nationwide. The lecturers always advance their knowledge to stay with the times, while the course work keeps step with new industry trends and developments. And their qualifications are also internationally recognised!”

This dynamic caters to everyone, from the mom and entrepreneur to the passionate fitness fanatic and someone who is looking to build a career in the industry. It’s also a great platform to grow your network, believes Hlubi.

“I’ve aways said your network is your net worth. Studying at HFPA has helped me build relationships and gain access to an international network of potential opportunities. It’s the type of platform that tears down the barriers many South Africans face when trying to gain access to people and places.”

Get paid for following your passion

Since obtaining her qualifications – with more to come – Hlubi believes she can now walk the talk.

“I now know what it means to love something and be a professional and expert in it at the same time. I believe my qualifications as a personal fitness trainer, and a kids development, sports conditioning and a life coach enable me to apply core skills to various areas of my life. I now view these certifications as assets I can use to make myself a better human being and benefit society.”

In the context of her life, Hlubi plans to expand her knowledge base for her own benefit by obtaining additional qualifications, like a pre and post natal exercise course.

“I believe this provides invaluable knowledge to women who should always feel empowered, not afraid of a natural process like child birth and motherhood due to a lack of understanding or knowledge – gaining knowledge is the most powerful form of empowerment.”

And adding to her list of qualifications also creates new opportunities for Hlubi to pursue divergent career paths.

“I firmly believe that to truly be successful, your career should reflect your greatest passions in life, and that if you’re passionate about something you should pursue every opportunity to get paid for it. When it comes to the health and fitness industry, institutions like HFPA offer the best starting point to realise that ambition.”

Author: Pedro van Gaalen

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