Are there
training secrets? I think that is a fair question to ask when you see all the
hype about the different training secrets available for exorbitant prices
available for purchase. Honestly in my 39 years of coaching and a few more beyond
that trying to be an athlete I have not found any secrets. What I have seen is
that those who claim to have secrets are closed minded people who depend on
hype and smoke and mirrors to convince people that they really know something
that no one else does. It is even better if you claim to have the Russian or East
German training secrets and you call everyone comrade. There are no secrets,
training demands structure, progression, directed work that understands the
interaction of the body, gravity and the ground. Here is the free “secret”
model for reverse periodization (another meaningless term) Get Strong, Get
Fast, Get Fit, Get Specific, Compete. You learned that right here free. What do
you do with it, that is up to you, no secrets, I am not coaching the people you
are coaching. One size does not fit all. Use your knowledge and creativity and
run with it. The secret is that simplicity yields complexity.
6 Comments
Juan RT
In rehab, I see the same thing:
Some say “all back pain comes from Spinal disc displacement”, other say from trigger points, others say tight muscles, others muscle imbalance, others myofacial restrictions, others cranial restrictions, others from your childhood, and others even from you past life experiences and on… and on… and on.
Will Kirousis
Very well said. This is an issue transcending sport – everything now is about the latest greatest, coolest, etc.
Good to get a nice smack in the head to keep solid, long term, disciplined and progressive training in mind.
Jonathan Hewitt ATC
Vern,
In the past I’ve heard you talk about functional strength, etc so should the secret model be, Get functionally strong, Get fucntionally Fast, Get Functionally Fit, Get Functionally Specific, Compete?
Just an observation.
Mike Keeler
Vern,
With your experience with swimming, how would you go about apply your “reverse periodization” to our sport?
Sympathy
The only secret, is focus, discipline and commitment, once you do those you’ll go far.
david walsh
I am forty three and just last week i was diagnosed with parkinsons,had been a bit of gym rat till the pain caught with me a year ago… now i need some tips on core and explosive exercises, anybody!?