“I’m not going to get into a 12-month periodization plan that involves in-season, early off-season, general off-season, and pre-season planning. If you train athletes and are looking for a great resource, check out Eric Cressey’s, “The Ultimate Off-Season Training Manual.” This is a must for your coaching library!”

Although, even for my athletes I don’t make the different phases, (the phases to come; in-season program, early off-season etc.) too detailed as you never really know where the athlete will be 2 months from now. Will he be banged up? Did he not get much playing time (in a sport like basketball for example) throughout the year? Did he play 35 minutes a game and needs to take it real slow in the early off-season? Did we end up making post season play, extending the season even further? Etc. etc. IMO, too many variables to make your “down the line” plan detailed.

I’m not saying you are doing this, I’m just offering more thoughts on periodization for athletes. I notice you wrote, “16-18 week training OUTLINES,” so it sounds like we are on the same page here.

Thanks for your thoughts!

I’ve only had 2 or 3 clients actually want to go ~6 weeks w/ the same program – as they feel like just as they are starting to “get it,” I change it up on them. And they’d prefer a little more time to really get “in the groove” with the current block they are using, before switching. Everyone else gets pumped for the new program to start on the 5th week. I literally get comments like; “Danny, I couldn’t wait for this weekend to get over so I could start day 1 of the new block on Monday!” So, I agree w/ you that many don’t *need* to change every 5 weeks. But I’ve found more often than not, the change every 5th week keeps them fired up which I thing is important.

Good point on the mass vs fat loss cylces. I didn’t cover this in the article, but like you, I don’t change things up that much in weight room… often just a little bit of a modification. As you mentioned, the biggest change is the nutrition/cardio plan. And for people like me (get lean easy, harder time putting on muscle), I really don’t change anything up at all w/ the lifting program.

Thanks for your thoughts Mark!

I also don’t necessarily stick to a strict 4 week cycle. I find that many novice and some intermediate lifters can get results (i.e., hypertrophy) with a program of 6-8 weeks duration. Advanced trainees sometimes need changes more frequent that every month. Then again, every client is different and there lies the importance of having a general scheme, but assessing progress constantly to ensure changes are implemented when necessary.

As far as mass gain and fat loss cycles, I don’t think that they need to be totally separate either. Of course, muscle gain comes slower while trying to remain lean, but it can be done (especially for those who need to stay lean). Truthfully, I’d change diet and cardio more to affect either of these outcomes anyway. I don’t alter training as much for fat loss vs hypertrophy. I do alter training for strength, power, hypertrophy, etc.

I hope that all makes sense.