Focus on the ‘Minimum’

Make your 'minimums' easier!

My programming can be complex at times, its a daily and weekly undulating combination of Linear Progression, Step loading and Auto Regulation.

And If you're one of my athletes, or if you've seen one of my programs, you'll know that I don't explicitly give number to hit on movements, but give a 'weight range' instead.

I'll not dive deeply into the idea behind using a range over a specific number, because the subjects probably long enough for a separate post.

Although if I was to give you a brief summary of my reasoning...

It allows the athlete to follow a percentage based program while taking into account auto regulation, allowing the athlete to take advantage of the 'good days' while not letting 'bad days' mess with their heads.

All training methods have their pros and cons though, and while using a weight range is usually my preferred method, there are problems with creating a weight range to follow.

If you're a driven athlete you'll end up always wanting to be operate at the top end of the range regardless of how you feel...

My athletes do it if I don't keep an eye on them and I do it because I'm self coached and my own worst athlete.

This in itself can create excessive fatigue towards the back end of the program, which if not managed properly, can cause problems.

So, I guess this post is kind of an info post to my athletes, while also being a post to the masses about patience in training.

If your into strength training, the end goal should always be to lift more weight, in whatever form that might take.

But for true long term progression, forget about the maximum number on the bar.

Take a different loading approach and look at making your 'Minimums' easier.

Long term it'll help you control fatigue and frustration while allowing you to focus on something other than the numbers on the bar.

As a side note, I find this approach works particular well with numbers in the 80% to 85% range.

Adam Johnston, 9th April 2020