In this information-infused world where everyone is busy beyond belief, we all are guilty of trying to do too much and having our hands in too many projects.
I am especially guilty of this as it stems from a personality trait of wanting to be all things to all people.
As a personal trainer, martial arts instructor and fitness leader I now realize how much I have "beat up" on myself and my clients in the pursuit of "the perfect training program" and optimal results over the years.
As I have been forced to sit back and rehabilitate from a neck (disc) injury myself, and after years of chronic low/mid back issues (not to mention a torn knee and even a torn hamstring), I can see how my very strengths are also my greatest weaknesses.
I've pushed myself harder and harder each day, always expecting to improve or at least not "lose ground." In doing so, I actually have caused more problems than I would have if I would have approached it a little differently.
Truth is, I have been guilty of trying to cut corners and apply the "get rich quick" approach to my training and my life when life is really about periodization (proper cycling)...an ebb and flow of progression and development.
As much as we want to get to our goal/destination as soon as possible (like NOW), you simply cannot bypass the principles of development and growth. And you certainly can't master even one thing if you are too busy trying to be the jack of all trades.
I share this with you today in part as a recognition, a sort of self-acknowledgment of one of my flaws as a person, an athlete, a coach and a leader, and in part as a resolution to let certain things (expectations, attempts) go so I can focus on the few things that matter most. This will allow me to be more effective in the things I do, as well as accepting the fact that things always seem to take more time to be completed than we originally plan for them to. As the old saying goes, "If you want to make God laugh, tell Him your plans."
So maybe this applies to you and where you are at in your life journey today, and maybe it doesn't. If it does, perhaps this can give you some insight and inspiration to simplify and recommit to the gradual, steady path of growth rather than just another 100 mile per hour you-know-whats-to-the-wall approach.
Now the hard part is figuring out what the priorities are and how to focus our attention on them.
Consequently, in the coming posts I'm going to lay out an entire training periodization format for you. Periodization is just a fancy word for an organized training cycle to achieve a specific fitness/athletic result. In other words, it's a program design format...laid out to effectively progress you on toward your specific fitness goal.
The two formats I'm going to lay out for you will be based on a three month period. Though a full training periodization could be in upwards of several years (like in the case of Olympic level athletes and the four years between the famed games), I'd say that three months is the minimum length of time to organize a legitimate program. You can adapt it longer once you understand how to organize it if you want.
I will basically give you insight to how I organize a long term plan for my clients, athletes and of course myself.
It should be very useful for you...and all you'll have to do is make it your own and apply it to yourself!
Be on the look out in the days to come!
Sincerely in Fitness,
Chad R. Johnson
Personal Trainer (ACE-CPT)
Strength Coach (NSCA-CSCS)
Youth Fitness Specialist (IYCA-YFS)
Martial Arts Instructor (Taekwondo 3rd Degree)
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