I present to you the final chapter on my deload series of blogs. In the first segment, I outlined why we must deload. Then in the 2^nd and 3^rd segments, I showed you how to deload; complete with 14 plug and play scenarios. By now I’m hoping you are buying into the necessity of tapers / deloads for maximizing progression.  Now I am going to totally “nerd out” and go over the variables in programming for a taper / deload.  Furthermore, I am going to cover those variables in the context of a both weight lifting, and endurance sports (for illustrative purposes). [Read more…]

This is the continuation of my series on using deloads/tapers/intro cycles in your training. The initial blog was the reason why we deload. Hence the title, “Why do we deload.” In it I outlined the fitness fatigue model and the physiological reasons why you can’t always train at your true, full capabilities. The predecessor to this entry was “How do we deload? Part 1 of 2.” In that blog, if you did not find a sample deload that fit your context of training, I have good news. In this blog, I give you 7 more “plug and play” deloads that perhaps will fit your particular needs. [Read more…]

In my last blog, I covered the “whys” of deloading. I hope I made it as easy as pie to understand in layman terms. Performing and being able to train at your absolute potential is the goal. However, that only happens a handful of times a year for most advanced athletes; thus, deloads become a must for all of us eventually. [Read more…]

It seems everyone who trains seriously with weights knows you should deload. Most folks hate deloads and only begrudgingly do them. Others don’t deload at all because they either feel they don’t need them, or that they will lose their “gainz” if they do. I think this is mostly because people don’t know what deloads do and why they should be incorporated. My intent in this article is to set the record straight on how deloads work and the physiological reasons they are helpful. [Read more…]