I was having a discussion with two IFAST interns the other day, and the topic of programming was broached.
As the discussion developed, it became clear what the issue was. These guys haven’t written a ton of programs yet, and I could tell they were about to fall victim to a huge mistake that many entry-level coaches and trainers make.
I know, because I made this mistake as well.
The mistake is a simple one: Trying to fit everything (or fix everything) in one program.
You want to clean up their posture, get better glute activation/strength, stiffen their anterior core, improve their t-spine mobility into extension and rotation, and a host of other things.
Oh yeah, and you also want to focus on speed/power development, conditioning, and max strength.
Do you see where I’m going with this?
When in doubt, remember this simple mantra: One program is one program.
Can you make a positive impact on posture and alignment? Yes.
Can you improve some of their basic physical qualities? Yes.*
But, one program is just one program.
You’re not going to unwind every postural or alignment issue they have in a month or two.
You’re not going to be able to fit all of your pet exercises into one training program.
Quite simply, the day you realize that one program is only one program, you’re going to be leap years ahead of most of your competition.
Don’t try to fix everything, or improve everything, in one training program.
Program in the short-term to address their immediate limitations, while always focusing on the long-term goals.
Besides me, how many of you how made this mistake? Did it teach you any lessons?
I’ll be looking forward to your thoughts below!
All the best
Mike
*Side Note for Clarity: Beginners and some intermediates can see positive changes in almost all physical qualities (speed, strength, power, endurance, etc.) initially. As someone becomes more advanced, this is where specificity of programming comes into play, and you’ll need more intensive/focused blocks of training to achieve an adaptive response.
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This post comes at a most opportune time. I have a very short term training goal and a long term (2 years) goal, but they go fairly well hand in hand. Short term I have decided to participate in a triathlon on July 31st. It's a sprint triathlon (425yd swim, 12.4 mile bike, 3.1 mile run). Long term I am joining the Navy with hopes of being a SEAL. I believe the two aspects I need to concentrate on are endurance/conditioning and power/speed. How would you recommend going about writing a program with those goals in mind?
This post is a good thing to start thinking on how to find a starting point for the long haul. The great news is there is never a finish line since we always are learning somthing new or working on a weakness/injury site. Thanks for the information on keeping it simple and do one thing at a time.