Rate of Progression, Tips for Self Coaching, and Program Troubleshooting | Ep. 38
Aug 29, 2022
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The podcast explores rate of progression in training and the impact of training status. They discuss the importance of individuality in rates of progress and coaching strategies. They also compare the effects of load and set volume on strength gains. The hosts give tips for self-programming and coaching, emphasizing objectivity and note-taking. They delve into the concept of adaptation and the difference between discomfort and suffering in training.
Training status does not significantly impact progression rate, as external factors play a crucial role.
Progression in strength should be based on individual responses rather than focusing solely on training volume or load.
Deep dives
Determining Training Status based on Coaching and Programming
In this episode, Clint's question sparks a discussion on whether an individual's training status, such as beginner, intermediate, or advanced, changes based on previous coaching or good programming. While there might be some influence, the categorization of lifter advancement is not considered crucial for management decisions. Factors like stress, sleep, and other external variables can also impact the rate of progression, making it difficult to directly attribute progress solely to training status.
Progression Strategies: Volume vs Load
The hosts delve into the question of whether progression in strength can be best achieved by increasing training volume or load. While load (the weight on the bar) is generally considered a better predictor of strength gains, anecdotal evidence suggests there is individual variation in how each lifter responds. Some individuals may show a linear increase in strength gains with higher average loads, while others may experience diminishing returns at higher loads. Bench press is highlighted as an example where maintaining volume can be more important for certain individuals. Ultimately, load progression and finding the best starting point based on individual responses are essential for optimizing strength gains.
Tips for Self-Programming and Coaching
The hosts provide insights on self-programming and coaching. They emphasize the importance of being objective and maintaining good note-taking practices. Tracking subjective experiences, patterns of fatigue, aches, and pains enables individuals to identify factors that influence their training progress. The hosts recommend dedicating time to create a well-thought-out training plan to enhance motivation and confidence. They also discuss the significance of individualization and how it can lead to better training outcomes.
Assessing Overstimulation or Understimulation and SPD Work
The hosts address the challenge of assessing whether a lifter is overstimulated or understimulated while discussing when to add or remove specific, preparatory, and developmental (SPD) work. Determining the underlying cause of a lack of progression is complex, but subjective reporting of fatigue, soreness, motivation levels, and perception of training effectiveness can provide insights. Troubleshooting and making modifications in the training program can help identify whether a lifter is over or understimulated. However, relying solely on perceived fatigue levels may not optimize training outcomes, as individual responses vary. The hosts suggest using fatigue as a compass for troubleshooting rather than the sole determining factor for program modifications.