April 6, 2026
Periodisation
What is Periodisation?
Periodisation is a process of dividing the annual training plan into a series of manageable phases (mesocycles). ie. A fitness program that delivers an achievement goal by the most efficient means possible.
Each phase targets a specific or series of attributes to be developed within a designated period of time.
Periods of appropriate overload and recovery are designated within each phase.
For the neuromuscular system to adapt maximally to the training load or stress, volume and intensity alterations are necessary.
Periodisation must be individualised!!
Periodisation is comprised of goals broken down into Long term and Short tem periods. Each period or goal contains its own unique programming
Short term goals are structured around :
1.Preparation or Endurance phase;
2. Building phase;
3. Power phase
4. Achievement or Recovery phase
There is no defined time period for each goal.
A long term goal can be :
– a year long eg. swimming championships or,
– a month long eg. a regular monthly long distance run.

Example program
Program Phase | Weeks | Start Date | Weights | Reps | Rest Time between Sets (Rest, Stretch, Hydrate) | Notes |
Endurance | 2 | 30 March | Light | 15-20 | Minimal 5 seconds except Rehab, | May Include Some Rehab |
Hypertrophy | 7 | 6 April | Medium | 8-12 | Same time as the exercise | |
Power | 3 | 31 May | Heavy or Fast | 4-8 | Heavy 1 minute Fast 10 Seconds | |
Recovery | 1 | 21 June | Light and Cross Training | 15-20 | May Include Some Rehab |
https://www.aspetar.com/journal/viewarticle.aspx?id=302#.YXCroJ5Bw2w
https://europepmc.org/article/med/1325265
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40279-016-0646-2
https://oatd.org/oatd/record?record=oai\:researchbank.acu.edu.au\:theses-1840
