Characteristics of a Sound Training Program

I have been getting many requests to evaluate certain popular training programs. Rather than specifically evaluate any program I think it is better to describe the characteristics of a sound program and you can use this to evaluate and draw your own conclusions. 

Progression – You should be able to see clear definitive progression both inter and inter workout. In addition the progression should take into account training age and gender.

Clearly Defined Goals – A sound program starts with the end in mind and clearly works toward that end.

Training is a means to an end – Training should not be an end unto itself.

Individual – A sound training program fits the individual and takes into account trainability and recoverability.

Beyond the Exercise – It is always more than an exercise or a drill. The drill or exercise is a means to an end.

Can Do – A sound program will focus on what the athlete can do, not what they can’t do. Optimize the strengths and minimize the weaknesses.

Risk – Manage risk by weighing the risk:return ratio of the training methods.

Variation – Incorporate programmed systematic variations to insure continual adaptation.

Spectrum – Incorporate a spectrum of methods that insure all systems are trained all the time.

Basics – Never stray far from the basics, no gimmicks, no fads and no quick fixes.