As a new coach, you may find yourself stuck trying to improve a program, not knowing where to begin.

But, with a solid base of coaching knowledge, you can fall back on the fundamentals when the thoughts aren’t flowing. 

This blog outlines the principle of concurrent training, a fundamental taught in this 3-hour program design course, and how to create training sessions based on it.

How to Program Concurrent Periodization

1) Use periodization to organize training priorities

The body has three energy systems, the alactic, lactic, and aerobic (learn more about energy system training here). Using periodization to prioritize different systems at specific times will prevent inhibitory effects of trying to maximize all three systems at once. For example, throughout a training year a coach may prioritize alactic training, then aerobic, then lactic, with the goal of improving all three systems by the end of the year. They can still touch on and improve all three systems within a training cycle, but recognize that they cannot maximize strength, power, and endurance simultaneously.   

2) Ensure aerobic work is truly, aerobic

When programming aerobic work in a session it is essential that the pace of the work is sustainable. If the pace is not sustainable the session is not training the aerobic system and instead just developing patterns of fatigue compensation. As pace differs between clients it is always best to conduct a work capacity test to determine the needed pace. Learn how to conduct an assessment in this blog.

3) End the session with lactic work (if needed)

If the program warrants lactic work, leave it until the end of the session. The amount of energy required to perform lactic work hampers the client’s ability to get the correct dose response from movements following lactic work.

Concurrent training is a principle that a professional coach must understand and practice. However, the main division between a professional coach and an enthusiast is the pursuit of knowledge. Learn the principles OPEX Fitness is known for in the three-hour course Programming: Principles.

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