If an athlete's training plan is periodized, we usually consider the entire plan (lasting up to one year or longer) a macrocycle. The macrocycle can be divided into two or more shorter periods of time called mesocycles. The mesocycles reflect the peak performance times coinciding with the athlete's competition dates or season and the athlete's off-season. Within the mesocycle is the microcycle. The microcycles, each lasting for several days or a week, are designed using the various objectives of the training plan. They include the daily changes in the volume, mode, and intensity of training.

Some athletes will gear their training program to peak for an isolated event. They will not have a maintenance phase. Other athletes, those participating in a team sport that emphasizes success over an entire season, will incorporate a maintenance phase during the season. Muscular fitness should have been achieved in a building phase. During an athlete's competitive season, muscular fitness (strength or endurance or power, whichever is key to performance) is maintained. The training focus is shifted to the skills and tactics of the sport. It is assumed that the athlete is in peak condition for the competitive season and therefore the condition only has to be maintained.

These training programs would be similar for all athletes who use a periodized training program. People who are not competitive, like your clients Julia and Robert, would not typically use a periodized training program. The training program for the bodybuilder also does not typically follow the normal periodization principles.

Now, if you think you have a pretty good understanding of periodization, I'd like you to design two periodized training programs. Click Next when you're ready.