Hi all,
I have a question regarding the structure of conditioning programmes.
I coach MAG up to level 7 currently, and been playing withe different structures for our conditioning programme over the last few years.
What I do
What I have mostly done is work with a linear periodized programme for max power.
I start with low intensity and high reps for a microcycle. (1 week)
The following microcycle the intensity increases a bit, but reps drop lower.
Third microcycle follows the same pattern, even higher intensity, and lower reps.
Fourth microcycle unloads and drops back with lower intensity and higher reps, most often around the same as the second week.
That is then my mesocycle which repeats with all of it at slightly higher intensity and lower reps. I start with reps of 30 (endurance), and around the comp season I'm doing power work with reps around 4.
According to research this sounds like the way to go. (Link Removed) Thats 1 example.
What I've seen
During this time I've done research in different areas. Coach Sommers from gymnasticsbodies.com seems to have a different approach. Yet he also seems to be known as one of the best for conditioning. From what I can see, he works in revers, starting with low reps, low intensity. He keeps intensity the same while increasing the reps. Up to 60 reps I think (endurance). Then once he has that for a full mesocycle, he finally increases the intensity and starts once again with low reps and builds up.
The Question
What is the best approach? Or at least a good approach?
From what I can see it looks like he approaches the conditioning with a huge amount of endurance before moving to power and strength training, where as the common approach is to start with a small bit of endurance, but loading into strength and power much faster.
So far my programme seems to be working with my boys, but I've only just finally got a gymnast to level 7, where he has years of experience. Not sure if I should change my approach or not. Considered trying both, but endurance and strength training simultaneously isn't known for working that well.
What are everyone elses thoughts or experience here?
I have a question regarding the structure of conditioning programmes.
I coach MAG up to level 7 currently, and been playing withe different structures for our conditioning programme over the last few years.
What I do
What I have mostly done is work with a linear periodized programme for max power.
I start with low intensity and high reps for a microcycle. (1 week)
The following microcycle the intensity increases a bit, but reps drop lower.
Third microcycle follows the same pattern, even higher intensity, and lower reps.
Fourth microcycle unloads and drops back with lower intensity and higher reps, most often around the same as the second week.
That is then my mesocycle which repeats with all of it at slightly higher intensity and lower reps. I start with reps of 30 (endurance), and around the comp season I'm doing power work with reps around 4.
According to research this sounds like the way to go. (Link Removed) Thats 1 example.
What I've seen
During this time I've done research in different areas. Coach Sommers from gymnasticsbodies.com seems to have a different approach. Yet he also seems to be known as one of the best for conditioning. From what I can see, he works in revers, starting with low reps, low intensity. He keeps intensity the same while increasing the reps. Up to 60 reps I think (endurance). Then once he has that for a full mesocycle, he finally increases the intensity and starts once again with low reps and builds up.
The Question
What is the best approach? Or at least a good approach?
From what I can see it looks like he approaches the conditioning with a huge amount of endurance before moving to power and strength training, where as the common approach is to start with a small bit of endurance, but loading into strength and power much faster.
So far my programme seems to be working with my boys, but I've only just finally got a gymnast to level 7, where he has years of experience. Not sure if I should change my approach or not. Considered trying both, but endurance and strength training simultaneously isn't known for working that well.
What are everyone elses thoughts or experience here?