Training Principles

In the past we have discussed some of our training principles. These are constantly in development so we see a need to provide an update to illustrate our current thinking.

Functional Movement Patterns

We apply only functional movement patterns. Functional movement patterns are those that can be applied to tasks outside of the training environment. We do not prescribe training that is designed solely to increase muscle size for the sake of appearance. We do not recommend people do endless crunches for the purpose of building a six pack.

Functional movements are those that can be transferred. These movements include Olympic lifts, compound weight training movements, many variations of running including sprinting and speed work, lifting real-world objects, agility drills, extreme intensity metabolic conditioning and many other things.

Above Context/Over-Preparation

As a training principle, this one is not commonly used outside of the military or law enforcement.

Over-preparation includes things like adrenalin training and skill development is highly stressed environments. It’s easy to execute something in a controlled environment with plenty of time available. It’s another to be able to execute a complex skill while extremely exhausted or under extreme pressure.

This is a training principle we us for those who require it.

Extreme Output for Minimal Time

Extreme output is simply training that utilises as much energy output per minute as is physically possible. Long distance running will not accomplish this. It can only be accomplished by switching between a wide variety of movement patterns. In this way the body can momentarily recover from one while another is in use.

The output achieved by some of our top performers reaches as high as 20,000 foot-pounds per minute. This conditions an individual to expend more energy per minute than any other type of training would allow. You want weight loss? Many of our athletes have trouble keeping their body weight stable due to the rapid loss of weight this can achieve if calories are not increased radically.

This training principle is not only applicable to weight loss though. It is obvious that a person is more efficient in all tasks when they are capable of more physical output than anyone else.

Variance

Set programmes do not foster an environment of optimal conditioning. All that happens is a person will be proficient in performing those particular movement patterns that occur in their mundane programme.

We do provide programmes to a degree but they do not include a finite number of workouts and exercises. Variance is the principle of varying the patterns of output for every workout a person does. It is not often that someone will do the same workout twice.

What this results in is complete readiness for a wider range of tasks. Athletes will be well prepared for a greater output of specific training, fire fighters will be able to approach a wider range of unexpected emergencies etc.

For a better idea of the principle of variance see our workout section to get an idea.

Foundational Conditioning

Personal Evolution are not sprint coaches, marathon coaches, basketball coaches or weight lifting coaches. Not specifically anyway. However we do train these individuals. The reason they come to us is because we are experts in building the most solid foundations possible. Foundational and functional go hand in hand. What we do is carefully prepare our training schedule so that the widest variety of applicable movements and stimulus patterns occur.

Synergy

The training principle of synergy refers to the coordination of all muscle groups and movement patterns in the body. A bicep curl is useless because it is not intended to work in isolation. Muscles all function in groups. It is the coordination of these groups of muscles into effective movement patterns that makes for effectiveness of application.

You want core training? Try a two point push-up, an L-sit-pull-up, ring dips, overhead squats etc. This trains the core in context with other muscles, not in isolation from other movement. The same is applied for all movement patterns.

Psychosomatic Awareness

The brain cannot take physical action on its own. The body cannot live without the brain. They are both part of a complete unit.

Bruce Lee said that most of the time people mentally give in before their body needs to stop. This is true. Most of the time you are physically capable of much more than you have ever pushed yourself. We apply this training principle by gradually going beyond the point at which people believe they need to stop.

Psychosomatic awareness also applies to the way your thoughts affect your physiology. Stress causes health issues, laughter helps the immune system, you’ve heard it all before. A large percentage of the time, anything that is wrong physically is actually caused mentally, which then creates the release of certain enzymes, hormones and the breakdown of some immune responses, which makes the illness or ailment real.

We apply methods that allow people to learn to control their body processes, mental states and be aware of their actual physical capabilities and limitations rather than the ones they thought were real.

Discipline and Challenge

This is easy, it’s not a scientific training principle. Discipline and challenge cannot and will not be avoided by Personal Evolution practitioners. The discipline applied is the same as those who achieve outstanding results and become the best in the world. Simply attending a gym is not discipline.

As for challenge, there should always be one that an individual is working towards.

Return to our home page from training principles