Essential Principles of Training - Specificity
by Peter LaChance, M.S., C.S.C.S.
Regardless of the type, level, or objective of the training program you are considering, a number of basic training principles should be integrated to maximize gains, safety, and time efficiency.

Specificity

All training programs should be devised to either;

  • enhance specific components of fitness
  • incorporate a spectrum of exercise to enhance all of the components of fitness

These components of fitness include:

  • Cardiovascular endurance
  • Body composition
  • Flexibility
  • Coordination/Agility
  • Muscular Strength
  • Endurance
  • Power

From a resistance training perspective, specificity should be considered in terms of load (force), repetitions (duration), cadence (velocity), range of motion, and exercise modality (type). However, genetic initation strength-endurance programs involve "a single set of moderate load, 8-12 repetitions, slow cadence exercise per each muscle group."


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