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Periodization: Latest Studies and Practical
Applications
By Christopher C. Frankel and Len Kravitz, Ph.D.
CORRECT CITATION FOR THIS ARTICLE IS AS FOLLOWS:
Frankel, C.C. & Kravitz, L. (2000). Periodization: Latest Studies and Practical
Applications. IDEA Personal Trainer, 11(1), 15-16

Introduction
Periodization is an organized approach to training that involves progressive cycling
of various aspects of a training program during a specific period of time. The roots
of periodization come from Hans Selye’s model, known as the General Adaptation
Syndrome, which has been used by the athletic community since the late 1950s
(Fleck, 1999). Selye identified a source of biological stress referred to as eustress,
which denotes beneficial muscular strength and growth, and a distress state, which
is stress that can lead to tissue damage, disease, and death. Periodization is most
widely used in resistance program design to avoid over-training and to
systematically alternate high loads of training with decreased loading phases to
improve components of muscular fitness (e.g. strength, strength-speed, and
strength-endurance). This system of training is typically divided up into three types
of cycles: microcycle, mesocycle, and macrocycle. The microcycle is generally up
to 7 days. The mesocycle may be anywhere from 2 weeks to a few months and can
further be classified into preparation, competition, peaking, and transition phases.
The macrocycle refers to the overall training period, usually representing a year.
This article will discuss the efficacy of periodization and present some of the
current issues from recent research.

Theory and Research

The research has focused primarily on the variation in training volume (total
repetitions per workout or total repetitions x mass lifted) and exercise intensity
(%1RM). While the underlying mechanisms that explain the differences between
periodized and non-periodized programs remains to be fully investigated and
explained (Fleck 1999), the effects on neural adaptations and the avoidance of
overtraining are suggested as possible factors (Fleck 1999, Stone 1999 a & b).

Most comparative studies have demonstrated the superiority of periodized over

non-periodized programs in terms of greater changes in strength, body
composition, and motor performance (Fleck 1999).
In these investigations, programs were evaluated based on changes in strength
and/or power-related measures such as 1 RM bench, 1 RM squat,vertical jump
power and height, and cycling sprint performance. The studies ranged in duration
from seven to 24 weeks. When summarized, these studies demonstrate that even
over a relatively short period of time (the length of a mesocycle), significantly
greater improvements can be realized using systematic variation in training volume
and intensity compared to linear programs using constant sets and reps (i.e., 3 sets
of 10 repetitions).
In two separate studies, groups using a one-set-to-failure program were compared
to other groups using periodized training principals.
Both methods resulted in improvements in strength and power measures over the
training period. However, the periodized groups demonstrated significantly greater
increases than did subjects in the single set groups (Fleck 1999). An obvious
concern in the interpretation of these results is the greater amount of training
volume (reps, sets, and total mass lifted) in the periodized programs, which may
account for the differences in performance gains between the groups. However,
these findings may furnish evidence for the use of periodized, multiple set,
programs over single set programs, which continues to be an ongoing debate
among fitness professionals.
To address the influence of overall training volume, multiple set linear programs
(constant reps and sets) have been compared to periodized programs (decreased
volume-increased intensity with time). In the majority of cases, periodization based
programs still provided significantly greater improvements in performance
measures (Fleck 1999, Stone 1999a, Stone 1999b). Therefore, there is evidence to
support the idea that appropriate manipulation of volume and intensity, over and
above just increases in total training volume alone, is an important factor in
optimizing strength training effects.

Periodization, Variation, Periodization Models

Periodization, as it has been defined, refers to specific methods of manipulating
training variables to provide variation in volume and intensity. While variation

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itself may play an important role in optimizing strength-related improvements, not

all programs that include a variation component will provide similar results (Stone
1999a). In other words, random variations in training variables may not produce
the desired results, lending credence to the adage "Fail to plan—plan to fail."

Traditional models of periodization describes a progression from high volume and

low-intensity work towards decreasing volume and increasing intensity during the
different cycles. Other periodization programs have been developed and have
potential advantages over non-periodized approaches. A reduction in volume and
an increase in intensity in steps during the training cycle is referred to as stepwise
periodization. In the overreaching periodization model there is periodic short term
(1-2 week) increase in volume or intensity followed by a return to normal training
(Stone 1999b). During undulating periodization, training volume and intensity are
increased and decreased on a regular basis, but not in the general pattern of always
increasing intensity and decreasing volume as the training period progresses (Fleck
1999).

Practical Considerations
Coaches and athletes have long been aware of the benefit of changing the training
stimulus at regular, or even irregular intervals. Tapering training volume prior to
competition, planned periods of active rest, and
interspersing power and strength workouts to challenge different energy systems
are all attempts to exploit the General Adaptation Syndrome. In the "black box"
model of performance are qualitative variables such as motivation, adherence, and
compliance which not be underestimated as determining factors in the success of
any program. For instance, Stone et al. (1999b) describe that the attrition and
noncompliance rate of their constant reps group was attributable to the monotony
and boredom of this type of training. There may be psychological factors that
additionally influence the quality and quantity of work performed during
training.While the body of research pertaining to periodization focuses on the
effect of varying volume and exercise intensity, it should be clear that these are not
the only variables that determine training adaptations.

Other influential components of any program include

(1) choice of exercises
(2) order of exercises
(3) resistance or load
(4) number of sets per exercise
(5) number of exercises per muscle group
(6) repetition range
(7) type of contraction
(8) speed of movement
(9) rest periods between sets
(10) rest periods between training sessions, and
(11) nutritional status.
Further research remains to be conducted and evaluated. However, for more
advanced resistance training designs, the evidence appears to strongly suggest
utilizing a periodized approach as compared to constant repetition/set type
programs.

TRAINING MODELS
NONPERIODIZED MODELS
Linear: Volume (reps x sets) remains constant during training period. Intensity
increases with load progression.

Random Variation: Volume and/or intensity change randomly, with no

consideration other than to introduce variation into the program.

PERIODIZED MODELS
Traditional: Volume and intensity are systematically manipulated. Training cycle
begins with a high-volume, low-intensity profile, then progresses to low volume,
high intensity over time.

Step wise: Like the traditional model, intensity increases and volume decreases
during the training period. Volume is decreased during the training period. Volume
is decreased in a stepwise fashion: Repetitions are reduced from eight to five, five
to three, and so forth, at specific time intervals.

Undulating: Training volume and intensity increase and decrease on a regular

basis: but they do not follow the traditional pattern of increasing intensity and
decreasing volume as the mesocycle progresses (Fleck 1999).

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Overreaching: Volume or intensity is increased for a short period of time (one to

two weeks), followed by a return to "normal" training. This method is use
primarily with advanced strength trained athletes.

Sample Periodization Model by Muscle Fiber Type

Articles Reviewed:
Fleck, S. J. (1999). Periodized strength training: A critical review. Journal of
Strength and Conditioning Research, 13, 82-89.

Stone, M. H., O’Bryant, H. S., Schilling, B. K., Johnson, R. L., Pierce, K.C., Haff,
G. G., and Stone, M. (1999). Periodization: Effects of manipulating volume and
intensity. Part 2. Strength and Conditioning Journal, 21(3), 54-60.

Stone, M. H., O’Bryant, H. S., Schilling, B. K., Johnson, R. L., Pierce, K.C., Haff,
G. G., and Stone, M. (1999). Periodization: Effects of manipulating volume and
intensity. Part 1. Strength and Conditioning Journal, 21(3), 54-60.

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