What’s Periodization Training? Fitness the experts Explai...

What’s Happening

So basically It can help you build strength, muscle, and endurance.

POV: You kicked off working out a few months ago, and you’ve been consistently hitting the same reps of the same movements. You have a goal of reaching a deadlift PR in a few months, and while you do feel stronger now, you find your strength has plateaued. (and honestly, same)

To the rescue: periodization training.

The Details

Put simply, periodization training is an intentional exercise program with “strategically fluctuating variables like volume, intensity, speed, and weight,” says strength and conditioning specialist Alena Luciani, CSCS, founder of Training2xl. It’s most commonly used coaches to help strength and endurance athletes achieve a timing-related goal, like a bodybuilding, CrossFit , or HYROX competition .

Training blocks into three distinct phases, “it allows your workouts to continuously build on one another so that you make progress faster than if your workouts are random,” Luciani adds. Here’s everything to know about periodization training, including how it’s designed, benefits, drawbacks, and who should try it, according to fitness the experts.

Why This Matters

The Three Phases of Periodization Training Programs that use periodization training are made up of three nested phases that all work together to help you meet your goal. Admittedly, the lingo of the phases might make you feel like you need a degree in exercise science, but it’s less complicated than it may seem at first. (Plus, most peeps hire a trainer or coach to write their periodization program for them for ease—but developing your own plan is totally possible, too!

Medical professionals are taking note of this development.

The Bottom Line

Macrocycle The macrocycle refers to the duration of your training program, says Melody Schoenfeld, CSCS, a certified strength and conditioning specialist in Pasadena, California. It starts the day you begin the structured plan, and usually ends on a date with the event, like a competition, but having a hard deadline isn’t a requirement.

Thoughts? Drop them below.