​I am writing this blog after being asked an interesting question from one of my colleagues – “Can you increase your type II muscle fibers by following a strength or hypertrophy programme?” Well, the short answer is YES. By following either of these training programmes, you are likely to increase your percentage of type II muscle fibers. 

​Periodization is the systematic planning of long-term training, which is broken down further into planned training cycles. These cycles move through phases, which work towards various goals, structures and content of a planned training programme. These cycles are sequenced in such a way that training replicates and produces the optimal time for an athlete to achieve maximal results. 

​If you are anything like me, you may feel eclipsed by the amount of theoretical and practical knowledge that you want to learn and apply constantly in a continued effort to develop in your professional world.

​When using either of these terms, completely out of habit in front of our athletes, I am faced with blank expressions. I then find myself automatically defining the two. But why does it matter in the world of strength and conditioning?

​I have already highlighted in my previous blogs that I find it challenging to remember, focus on and apply key elements of various principles; therefore I constantly find myself having to re-read them as a refresh.  However, a “refresh” is a good thing, right?

“Another Principle!” I hear you say? In our professional world, there is a vast amount of principles to learn, digest and apply. I find it challenging to remember, focus on and apply key elements of these varying principles; therefore I constantly find myself having to re-read them as a refresh.  However, a “refresh” is a good thing, right? 

Are you focusing on or designing your programme around the correct training principles during the season for your athlete(s)?
 
We all want to get the most out of our athlete(s) throughout the year and we have already discussed the fine line between Overreaching vs Overtraining. However, are you applying the Principles of Training effectively?

"It’s a long road ahead” This phrase will never leave me. One of the most humble of mentors I have had– Tom Clough, said this to me at Bradford Bulls in 2011, and I totally agree. 

​Can you define Strength & Conditioning? Do you know what a Strength & Conditioning coach does?
 
Strength & Conditioning (S&C) is essential and very much a necessity in sport. However, do you know what it is or involves for either the coach or an athlete?
 
In this blog, I shall outline why S&C proves to be such a pivotal role and an important part in developing athletic performances of athletes. 

​There are a number of athlete performance-based tests out there designed to take your athlete(s) to the max. Which ones should ‘you’ do?
 
Keep reading and I’ll explain the benefits of just some of these, the one’s I conduct and the do’s and don’ts in performance testing.