Sunday (Sept. 22) at 3:44 p.m. was the arrival of the September equinox. The Northern Hemisphere shifted from summer to fall, and the South emerged from winter into spring.

It is that time again where the air seems a bit crisper as summer fades and fall begins. Fall, as we’ve all known since we were little, is the season of change and transitions. Seasons are not meant to be static, and neither are people. We are at our best when we are open to new ideas, flexible to life’s curves, and willing to get out of our own comfort zones.

The same goes with your training. You might have the best intentions with your training program but for some reason you are no longer seeing the changes you would like and your motivation is zapped! The reason might be you have to change up your training program to go along with the changes in your body and also progress you towards your goals.

Training does have its change of seasons as well. The term widely used is periodization. Periodization is simply cycling through different types of training to create specific changes all leading towards a desired goal. Each type of training program either builds on or enhances the prior and future. That goes for both strength and cardiovascular training. “Instead of doing the same routine month after month, you change your training program at regular intervals or “periods” to keep your body working harder, while still giving it adequate rest.

For example, you can alter your strength-training program by adjusting the following variables:

• The number of repetitions per set, or the number of sets of each exercise
• The amount of resistance used, heart rate zones you are in during your program
• The rest period between sets, exercises or training sessions
• The order of the exercises, or the types of exercises from traditional to progressive
• The speed at which you complete each exercise
• There are many different types of periodized strength-training programs, and many are geared to the strength, power and demands of specific sports.
• Such a program will allow your muscles to strengthen gradually and is appropriate for anyone interested in general fitness.

By changing each variable you will create a different adaptation in your body. By collaborating with a trainer you can look at your vision for yourself in regards to your health, fitness and wellness. Vision Fitness is excited to offer our Quick Fit session at our best rate of $30 to get you started on your new program!

Partnering together to plan out your training program and the different phases of training will be one of the most powerful determinants in you reaching your goals this year!

A happy and a healthy to you always!

The Vision Fitness and Wellness Team