Exercises

The exercise is the smallest component of the entire training process. Basically a workout is a blend of carefully selected exercises designed to achieve a specific objective. Special consideration must be given not only to the selection of the individual exercise but also to the sequence of the exercises. There is a definite synergistic relationship between exercises. One exercise sets up another exercise. If improperly sequenced an exercise can detract from the previous or following exercise. It is imperative to be very specific with the goals and objectives of each exercise so that they complement each other.

Many times I have attended a clinic or a seminar and come back with a specific exercise or an idea for a exercise that I thought would be particularly useful. At various times I have tried to put the newly acquired exercises directly into the training program. Occasionally this has worked, but more often than not I found that the exercise did not do anything better than what I was already doing. The moral of this story is to always evaluate any new exercises in the context of what you are already doing and the overall goal of the training program. Does the new exercise do something better than you are already doing? Where is the new exercise leading? Is it part of a progression? Subject each new exercise to the 3M Criteria: Is it manageable? Can I do it in the context of the whole plan. Can I do with the personnel and facilities available? Is it measurable? It is motivational? Do you the coach see real value in it and does the athlete relate it to their improvement? Perhaps the most important question is the new exercise an absolute need to do activity or is it just  nice do? If it is nice to do then it should not be included.