periodization

Definition

A systematic planning of athletic training that divides your program into specific time blocks, each with particular goals. It's essentially meal-prepping for your muscles, but over months instead of Sundays.

Example Usage

My coach uses periodization to ensure I peak right before competition, not three weeks after when I'm eating victory pizza.

Origin

Developed by Soviet sports scientist Lev Matveyev in the 1960s, from the concept of dividing training into 'periods'

Fun Fact

Olympic athletes typically follow 4-year periodization cycles timed perfectly to the Games, making every workout part of a presidential term's worth of planning.

Source: Exercise science and strength & conditioning literature

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