Training Exercises versus Training Program:

Goals and vision are essential parts of training. Goals help guide you on your journey to accomplishing your vision. To achieve that vision, goals need to continue progressing. As they develop, the journey toward success becomes clearer and more attainable.

Training Exercises:

Working out is often talked about—getting sweaty, feeling sore, pushing past your limits, and maybe even puking. The fitness world tends to equate this with training. But if you’re just working out and doing cool exercises—focusing on specific muscles, spot training, or just increasing weight or resistance—a plateau is bound to come soon.

Training Program:

The difference between training exercises and a training program lies in the structure. The direction, support, and progression towards the end result form the foundation of a successful training program.

Direction:

A training program takes into account the weekly activities and needs of the athlete. It balances high-intensity weeks with low-intensity weeks and everything in between. A hard workout isn’t always the answer. A well-structured program accounts for these variables and can adapt accordingly. The direction also ensures you stay on track toward your goal. Throughout the year, things happen—injuries, personal hardships, fatigue—but a proper training program will help guide athletes through these obstacles, keeping them on the path to success.

Support:

When working to achieve a multi-year goal of developing an athlete’s true potential, knowing when to push and when to back off is crucial. Having a coach who understands the struggles and is there to guide the athlete through those challenges can be the difference between a great season and just a good one.

Progression:

Similar to support, progression is about understanding how to move from one goal to the next while limiting the chances of fatigue or overtraining. Cycling in and out of training intensity and movement is a top priority.

Not everyone is aiming for high-level success in sports—and that’s okay! However, creating strong, healthy habits from a young age is essential for anyone. An organized program to help develop an athlete’s (or individual’s) overall health and fitness can be an invaluable investment in long-term success.

#unleashthepotential

Written by:
Kirill Vaks
BA, CSCS

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Voorhees Flyers Training center.

The Hollydell ice arena, in the main building.