This course discusses "periodization training," strategies for manipulating acute training variables, particularly training intensity, during a resistance training program. Further, this course clarifies the definitions, structure, and categorization of periodization models, distinguishing between frequency, direction, and method of intensity change (e.g., daily undulating, linear, autoregulated). With the intent to achieve unparalleled accuracy, this course was built from a systematic review of all available peer-reviewed and published comparative research.
Contrary to previous publications, this systematic review demonstrated that periodized and non-periodized programs resulted in similar improvements in endurance, strength, power, and hypertrophy. Research suggests that, when compared to periodization, improvements are more strongly influenced by prolonged exposure to goal-specific rep ranges, intensities, and repetition tempos. The research also demonstrates that novice, obese, and older adults benefit equally from periodized and non-periodized programs. However, experienced individuals may achieve larger improvements in strength and hypertrophy from periodized training programs, particularly true linear and daily undulating programs. This course also examines several "special topics," including menstrual-cycle-aligned programming, reps-in-reserve -based strategies, and the effects of periodization on functional outcomes.
This course will help learners identify and label periodization strategies, determine evidence-based "best practice" recommendations, and develop individualized programs.
Research-based Recommendations:
Included in All Programs:
- Exposure: Maximize exposure to goal-specific acute variables
- Auto-regulation: Frequent, adaptive intra-session or session-to-session load adjustments
Novice Exercisers: All Goals
- Periodization is not influential: Do not increase the complexity of the program with periodized strategies. For at least the initial 12 weeks, perform moderate loads and reps/set and auto-regulated load adjustments.
Experienced Exercisers:
- Endurance, Strength, Hypertrophy
- Linear Periodization
- Daily Undulation
- Power Training
- Periodization is not recommended; perform power training throughout a program and progress using autoregulated strategies.
- Frequency of Intensity Change
- Daily Undulation : Daily undulating periodization modifies training intensity on a session-to-session basis.
- Weekly Undulation : Weekly undulating periodization modifies training intensity on a weekly basis.
- Block Periodization : Block periodization modifies training intensity with each training block (typically 2 to 8 weeks long).
- Direction of Intensity Change
- Linear : Linear periodization is a periodized training strategy in which intensity increases unidirectionally over time.
- Reverse-linear : Reverse-linear periodization is a periodized training strategy in which intensity decreases unidirectionally over time.
- Non-linear : Non-linear periodization is a strategy in which intensity does not follow a consistent directional progression
- Methods of Intensity Change
- Auto-regulated : Autoregulated periodization refers to training intensity that is adjusted in real time based on an individual's performance, fatigue, or readiness.
- Fixed (Predetermined) Progression : Fixed progression refers to the method of adjusting intensity according to a predetermined plan, without consideration for day-to-day variability in performance or recovery.
- Additional Terms
- Note: These additional terms are still used in the literature, but in practice, they are often replaced with simpler and more descriptive language (e.g., program, phase, and day).
- Macrocycle : A macrocycle is a long-term training plan, typically lasting several months to a year, designed to achieve an overarching performance goal. This term is most often replaced with "program."
- Mesocycle : A mesocycle is a medium-length block of training within a traditional periodized program, often lasting 3 to 12 weeks. Generally, it targets specific adaptations (e.g., endurance, hypertrophy, strength, or power) that complement the overall goal of the macrocycle. This term is most often replaced with "phase."
- Microcycle : A microcycle is the shortest structured unit of time in a periodized training program, typically lasting a day to 1-2 weeks, and includes the detailed schedule of workouts that reflect the goal of the mesocycle. This term is most often replaced with "day" or "routine."
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
What is periodization in strength training?
- Periodization is the planned manipulation of training variables, such as load, volume, and exercise selection, to optimize performance and reduce the risk of overtraining. It often involves changing intensity over time in a structured manner.
Is periodization the most important thing to get right for training?
- No. Research suggests that consistent exposure to goal-specific variables (e.g., heavy loads for strength, moderate loads for hypertrophy) and autoregulated load adjustments may be more important than following a strict periodization model.
Is periodization good for beginners?
- Not necessarily. Beginners often experience similar improvements with or without periodization. For at least the first 12 weeks, moderate loads with autoregulated adjustments are often sufficient.
What is an example of periodization?
- A daily undulating program might involve hypertrophy training (10–12 reps) on Monday, strength training (4–6 reps) on Wednesday, and power training (3–5 reps) on Friday—each with different loads and repetition ranges.
What’s the difference between daily undulating and block periodization?
- Daily undulating periodization changes intensity every session, while block periodization keeps intensity consistent over multiple weeks before changing.
What is autoregulated periodization?
- Autoregulated periodization adjusts training intensity based on real-time performance (e.g., using RPE or reps-in-reserve) rather than following a predetermined schedule.
Can you combine periodization strategies?
- Yes. Programs can combine block structures with linear or undulating progression, and also include autoregulated methods within each phase.
Pre-approved Credits for:
Pre-approved for Continuing Education Credits for:
This course includes:
- AI Tutor
- Course Summary Webinar
- Study Guide
- Text and Illustrations
- Audio Voice-over
- Research Review
- Sample Routine
- Practice Exam
- Pre-approved 3 Credit Final Exam