By Rob Shaul, Founder
1. Not Sticking with One Program To Conclusion
One of the most incredible values of MTI programming is the breadth of our programming library. But often, new athletes, and especially new subscribers, to our stuff get distracted and end up doing a couple weeks of this program, then a couple weeks of another, and in doing so lose all the progression benefits if an individual program.
Most MTI programs deploy some type of progression across one or multiple fitness attributes. The only way to realize the full benefit of the hard work put in to complete a program is to follow the programming as prescribed, to conclusion. Our progression methodology works, – and following the programming will lead to improvement …. but you’ve got to stick with the plan to conclusion.
2. Getting Hung Up on Specific Exercises
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve answered email questions asking why MTI programming doesn’t deploy more deadlifts, or snatches, or muscle-ups, etc. I always find it interesting athletes are attracted to our programming because of our unique approach, but barely in, want to go back to the stuff they’ve always done!
As a strength and conditioning coach, I learned long ago that the exercise selection was secondary to the programming methodology. As well, there are many different exercises to train for specific strength or other improvements. I have my own “favorite” exercises, but know that others may have theirs and generally avoid exercise arguments as I avoid arguing about religion – there’s no right answer. The problem, however, is when new athletes to our programming add in their old favorite exercises, which can interfere with recovery and sometimes lead to overtraining on top of MTI programming.
As well, my “favorite” exercises to train different attributes evolve and change over the years. The point here is, give MTI exercise selection a chance – through an entire cycle. Know I don’t pick exercises randomly.
3. Overthinking the Programming
MTI programming used to be a lot more complicated than it is today. All design starts out too complicated, and what I call “immature.” My first programming examples packed in too many exercises, attributes, etc. and suffered because of it.
How to improve? Start cutting stuff away. This is how all design improves – you have to bite the bullet, make hard decisions, and cut away the nonessential.
I’ll often receive questions from athletes new to the programming, who read the session and try to make it more complicated than it is. My answer is always …. “don’t overthink it. Just do the training as prescribed.” A few weeks in, and new athletes will get a feel for the “flow” of MTI programming, and everything becomes easier. This takes some commitment but always works out for those who stick with it.
4. Not Asking Me For Programming Suggestions
Again, our strength is the breadth of our programming, but over 200+ plans can seem bewildering to athletes new to our stuff. I answer dozens of questions daily from MTI athletes wanting programming suggestions. Tell me where you want to go, and I’ll recommend the plan to get you there. I do this every day. Email rob@mtntactical.com
5. Doubling Up on Programs
In general, this is a bad idea, and I rarely recommend it. MTI programming is simply too intense to double up, no matter your level of incoming fitness. We will likely have a single plan which concurrently trains the fitness attributes you want to improve – and programs in a way which includes common-sense progressions and avoids overtraining. Again …. one plan at a time.
Questions, Comments, Feedback? Email rob@mtntactical.com
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