2.4.3 - Applying the Principles of Training (FITT, Overload, Specificity, Reversibility) to Your Plan
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Understanding the FITT Principle
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Today, we will start with the FITT principle. Can anyone tell me what FITT stands for?
I think it stands for Frequency, Intensity, Time, and Type!
Great! Exactly. Now, letβs break these down one by one. First, Frequency. Why do you think itβs important to know how often we exercise?
Maybe because different goals need different amounts of exercise?
Exactly! Depending on your fitness level and goals, the frequency might change. Now, what about Intensity?
I think intensity refers to how hard you work out!
Right! Intensity can be measured in heart rate. Speaking of which, can someone give me an example of a moderate intensity exercise?
Maybe brisk walking!
Exactly! Now letβs move on to Time. How long should we usually be exercising for cardiovascular health?
I remember 30-60 minutes is recommended!
Perfect! Lastly, Type refers to what kind of exercise you choose. Can anyone give examples of different types of exercises?
Running, swimming, strength training using weights!
Excellent! To summarize, the FITT principle is vital because it helps us create a structured exercise plan.
Incorporating Progressive Overload
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Now that we understand the FITT principle, letβs discuss progressive overload. Can anyone explain what that means?
It means gradually increasing your workout demands to keep getting stronger or fitter.
Exactly! Why is it necessary to progressively increase our workouts?
If you donβt increase the difficulty, you stop improving.
Great point! Can anyone give an example of how to apply progressive overload?
I could run a little faster or add more distance each week!
Perfect! We can also increase weight during strength training. Remember, itβs about gradually adapting to greater demands!
Understanding Specificity
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Next, letβs explore specificity. Can someone share what this principle means?
It means that to improve in a certain area, you have to train specifically for that area.
Exactly! If we want to be better sprinters, what should we practice?
Sprinting! Not just running long-distance.
Absolutely! And this applies to all fitness areas. Can you think of any sports examples?
A person training for swimming should do swimming strokes, not just lifting weights.
Correct! To enhance performance, specificity should always be a part of your fitness plan.
Applying Reversibility
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Now, letβs talk about reversibility. What does this principle highlight?
It's about how if you stop exercising, your fitness gains can decrease.
Exactly! Itβs often called 'use it or lose it.' What might happen if someone stops training for a while?
They lose muscle strength and endurance.
Right! This is why it is critical to have consistent activity in our fitness routine. Can anyone think of a strategy to maintain activity?
I guess scheduling regular workouts or having backup plans can help!
Well said! Prioritizing regularity is essential for achieving desired fitness levels.
Integrating Principles into a Personal Plan
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Letβs tie everything together and see how we can create a personal fitness plan. What is the first step we need to define?
We should establish our fitness goals!
Exactly! After goals, how can we start applying the principles?
We need to plan out how often we work out based on our FITT principles.
Great! And remember to factor in progressive overload and specificity. Who can summarize these concepts for a well-structured fitness plan?
We need to define the frequency, keep challenging ourselves, and train specifically for our goals.
Exactly! Let's make sure to remember reversibility too, to sustain our effort long-term. Great job today, everyone!
Introduction & Overview
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Quick Overview
Standard
The section details how to implement the FITT principle (Frequency, Intensity, Time, Type) along with the concepts of progressive overload, specificity, and reversibility in designing a personalized fitness plan. It emphasizes the importance of tailoring the plan to individual goals and fitness levels for optimal results.
Detailed
Applying the Principles of Training (FITT, Overload, Specificity, Reversibility) to Your Plan
This section discusses essential principles that can enhance the effectiveness of your personal fitness plan. The key frameworks outlined include:
FITT Principle
- Frequency: Defines how often you engage in physical activities. It varies based on goals and fitness levels, typically recommending 3-5 days for cardiovascular fitness and 2-3 days for strength training.
- Intensity: Refers to how hard you exercise. It can be gauged through heart rates, resistance levels, or perceived exertion scales. Each intensity level serves different training purposes.
- Time: Involves the duration spent on training sessions; generally suggesting 30-60 minutes for cardiovascular workouts and appropriate sets and repetitions for strength training.
- Type: The specific mode of exercise you choose (e.g., running for cardio, push-ups for strength).
Progressive Overload
To continue improving, your body needs increasing demands over time, which can be accomplished by adjusting the FITT variables.
Specificity
This principle emphasizes the need to train in ways that directly improve targeted fitness components or skills. For instance, sprint training will enhance sprinting performance but not necessarily endurance running.
Reversibility
Fitness gains can diminish if training stops or significantly decreases, highlighting the need for continuity and consistent physical activity.
By utilizing these principles properly, you can create a fitness plan that is not only tailored to your specific needs and goals but also safe and effective.
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Frequency (F)
Chapter 1 of 6
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Chapter Content
Determine how many days per week you will engage in physical activity.
Consider your fitness goals: Cardiovascular fitness often requires 3-5 sessions/week; strength training 2-3 sessions/week for each major muscle group.
Allow for rest days between strength training sessions for muscle recovery.
Example: Monday: Cardio, Tuesday: Strength, Wednesday: Rest, Thursday: Cardio, Friday: Strength, Saturday/Sunday: Active Recovery/Rest.
Detailed Explanation
Frequency refers to how often you exercise each week. For example, if your goal is to improve your heart health, you would want to do cardio 3 to 5 times each week. Strength training may require 2 to 3 sessions per week. It's important to have rest days, especially after strength training, to let your muscles recover.
Examples & Analogies
Think of frequency like watering a plant. Just as plants need regular watering to thrive, your body needs consistent exercise to get stronger and healthier.
Intensity (I)
Chapter 2 of 6
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Chapter Content
Cardiovascular: How hard will you work? Use target heart rate zones (calculated from 2.2) or Rate of Perceived Exertion (RPE) to guide your effort. Aim for moderate or vigorous intensity based on your goal.
Strength Training: How much resistance will you use? Choose weights or bodyweight exercises that challenge you to complete the desired repetitions (e.g., 8-12 reps for strength/hypertrophy, 15+ for endurance). The last few reps should feel difficult.
Example: Cardio at 60-75% MHR. Strength exercises with weights that allow 3 sets of 10-12 repetitions to near fatigue.
Detailed Explanation
Intensity measures how hard you're working during exercise. For cardio, you can track this by checking your heart rate or using the Rate of Perceived Exertion scale. Strength exercises should be challenging enough that the final reps test your strength, pushing you close to your limit.
Examples & Analogies
Imagine you're climbing a hill on a bike. If you're pedaling easily, that's low intensity. As you go up, if you start to sweat and breathe heavily, that's higher intensity. Finding the right intensity is like finding the sweet spot where you're challenged but still can keep going.
Time (T)
Chapter 3 of 6
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How long will each session last? This includes warm-up and cool-down. Cardiovascular: Aim for 20-60 minutes of continuous activity, depending on intensity and goal. Strength Training: Typically 30-60 minutes, depending on the number of exercises and sets. Example: 45-minute cardio sessions, 60-minute strength sessions.
Detailed Explanation
Time refers to how long you exercise during a session, including both your warm-up and cool-down periods. For cardio, aim for sessions lasting between 20 to 60 minutes. Strength training sessions usually take about 30 to 60 minutes, which can vary depending on how many exercises you do.
Examples & Analogies
Think of a movie; a short film is like a quick workout under 20 minutes, whereas a feature-length film is like a longer workout session lasting up to an hour. You want to engage fully so that by the end, you've had a complete experience (or workout)!
Type (T)
Chapter 4 of 6
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Chapter Content
What specific activities will you do? This directly relates to the Specificity Principle. Cardiovascular: Running, cycling, swimming, dancing, brisk walking. Choose activities you enjoy. Strength Training: Bodyweight exercises (squats, lunges, push-ups, planks), resistance band exercises, or exercises using weights if available (e.g., bicep curls, overhead press). Focus on major muscle groups. Flexibility: Include dynamic stretches in warm-ups and static stretches in cool-downs. Consider dedicated flexibility sessions (e.g., yoga).
Example: Running for cardio, bodyweight squats, lunges, push-ups, planks for strength, and dedicated stretching after each workout.
Detailed Explanation
Type refers to the variety of exercises you will incorporate into your routine. It's essential to choose activities you enjoy so you stay motivated. Whether it's running, weightlifting, or yoga, the type of exercise you do should align with your specific goals, like building strength or enhancing flexibility.
Examples & Analogies
Choosing your workout type is like picking the toppings for your pizza. Just as you want your favorite toppings on your pizza to enjoy it more, selecting activities you love will make your workouts more rewarding and enjoyable.
Progressive Overload
Chapter 5 of 6
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Chapter Content
Your plan must include a mechanism for gradual increase in demand over time. How will you make it harder as you get fitter? Increments: Plan to increase one or more FITT variables every few weeks (e.g., increase duration of cardio by 5 minutes, add 2 reps to strength exercises, or increase resistance). Variety: Introduce new exercises or variations to challenge muscles in different ways. Example: In week 1-2, run for 20 minutes. In week 3-4, increase to 25 minutes. In week 5-6, increase intensity or try a slightly longer distance. For push-ups, start on knees, progress to incline, then full.
Detailed Explanation
Progressive overload means gradually increasing your workout demands over time to enhance strength, endurance, or fitness. By slowly increasing any of the FITT variables or adding different exercises, you help your body adapt and improve without causing injuries.
Examples & Analogies
Imagine climbing a ladder. If you try to jump to the top rung without stepping on the lower ones, you might fall. But if you climb each step gradually, reaching the top becomes possible. In fitness, increase intensity step by step to build strength steadily.
Reversibility
Chapter 6 of 6
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Chapter Content
Understand that consistency is key. Your plan should emphasize regular engagement to prevent loss of fitness. Example: Schedule your workouts and treat them as non-negotiable appointments. Have a plan for how to stay active even during busy periods or holidays (e.g., short bodyweight workouts).
Detailed Explanation
Reversibility is the principle that if you stop training, you will lose the fitness gains you made. To combat this, itβs essential to stay consistent and find ways to remain active, even during busy times. This could mean quick workouts or adapting your routine to fit your lifestyle.
Examples & Analogies
Think of fitness like a garden. If you stop watering the plants, they will wilt and die. Similarly, if you donβt keep exercising, your fitness will gradually decrease. Make regular maintenance a part of your fitness journey to keep it flourishing.
Key Concepts
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FITT Principle: Frequency, Intensity, Time, Type of exercise.
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Progressive Overload: Gradually increasing workout demands.
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Specificity: Training must be relevant to desired outcomes.
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Reversibility: Fitness gains are lost when training ceases.
Examples & Applications
Example of FITT: Jogging 3 times a week at moderate intensity for 30 minutes each session.
Example of Progressive Overload: Increasing running distance from 3km to 4km over several weeks.
Memory Aids
Interactive tools to help you remember key concepts
Rhymes
FITT is key, remember the way, frequency, intensity, for exercise on the play.
Stories
Once there was a runner named Sam. He ran every day but didnβt vary how he trained. Eventually, he got slower. Then he learned about FITT! Frequency, intensity, time, and type β he changed it all up and ran his best race ever! Always apply FITT to prevent a reverse in speed!
Memory Tools
FITT: F is for Frequency, I is for Intensity, T for Time, and the other T for Type!
Acronyms
Fit Individuals Train Together (FITT) to remember the principles for effective workouts!
Flash Cards
Glossary
- FITT Principle
A framework for designing workout plans that stands for Frequency, Intensity, Time, and Type.
- Progressive Overload
The gradual increase of stress placed upon the body during exercise training.
- Specificity
The principle that training must be relevant to the desired outcomes.
- Reversibility
The principle stating that fitness gains are lost when training is reduced or ceased.
Reference links
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