Structured training is for everyone

It is a common occurrence for athletes to have a hesitation toward implementing some kind of structure into their training. The reasons for this can vary from imposter syndrome, not being good or training enough to warrant a plan, or that it will remove the fun from their sport practice. Regardless of training level, time, objectives, or goals, there are benefits to be gained from a measured and practical approach

What can be gained from a structured training plan

While picking workouts and simply doing activities at random is better than doing no activity at all, there are significant improvements to be drawn from greater planning.

Coherent training towards an established goal

Everyone has something that they would like to gain from training. Everyone’s goals and objectives will vary and are all equally valid. That being said, there are very few goals that can be achieved through random and sporadic training. Having a structured plan is the best way to ensure your time spend is moving your closer to those goals.

Measured improvements

Part of any structured training planned should be regular (weekly or monthly) validations of your progress. These validations of improvements can take various forms based on goals and objectives but are essential. With these progress checks, it is possible to refine and individualize your training, which can increase training coherence.

Transforming motivation into discipline

One consistent comment that is heard from the occasional and random work out group, is the constant quest to find more motivation. Unfortunately, by definition, motivation is a fleeting and non-continuous phenomenon. Sometimes it is strong, but just as often it is not. Ultimately, motivation must develop into discipline, and eventually habit. Having a structured framework and increasing accountability (maybe to a coach) is the best way to make these changes.

Common myths about structured training

A lot of the hesitations come from misconceptions about structure, or negative experiences with poorly executed structured. So here are some examples of what structured training is not:

Every aspect of training will be controlled with no margin for fun training. While for some athletes this is a good approached, it can also have a negative effect on others. This is why a good, structured training plan will take into account these individual differences. Depending on the athlete and the time of year, certain amount of ‘’free activity time’’ can be included in weekly planning. This can be an unstructured but specific activity, or be completely open.

Here are examples of targetted but open sessions where the athlete has some liberty to pick how they want to spend the session, but with some guidlines. On the left can be any crossfit work out of their choice, and in the center any easy to moderate oudoor activity

This seesion is completely open for the athlete to pick the activity

Not being a good enough athlete to merit a structured plan (imposter syndrome). Regardless of training level and experience, having a plan will improve training efficiency. Even further, new or intermediate athletes have more to gain from structured training. Once good habits and a good foundation of training information have been established, training on instinct can be more successful.

A structured program has a singular focus, and it is impossible to incorporate other activities. This is again a question of the quality of the training plan and the time of year. But any kind of activity can be analysed, and its effects considered to maintain training coherence. This of course requires an analyse further than the surface level, but this deeper understanding can be incredibly beneficial.

While it can seem like an intimidating process to begin, but once the initial phase has been completed, there are only benefits to be gain. For some this call to structure can be obvious, but others it can seem like a daunting task. Hiring a coach can be enormously helpful in guiding your through the process, and any good coach will be happy to assist you, regardless of your training experience or level.