Fitness

Periodization Training: What Is It And Do You Need It?

Nope, nothing to do with Aunt Flo. Instead, periodization training is a style of, um, training that could help you see better results in the gym.

Mar 1, 2024 — 5 min read

Unlike cold water therapy, massage guns, and waist trainers, periodization training isn’t mentioned much, if at all, in the mainstream fitness scene.

Instead, you’d only hear about it within powerlifting/professional sports circles.

And that’s a shame.

Because, as it turns out, periodization training could be way more — like, waaaaaay more — helpful for your fitness journey than:

Immersing yourself in freezing water post-training (FYI, ice baths hurt long-term gains in muscle mass and strength; thought you should know) or
Pummeling your muscles with a massage gun (actual massages, i.e., those that involve hands and … everything, boost recovery, but there’s no evidence that massage guns provide a similar benefit)
Wrapping your mid-section up pigs-in-a-blanket style (waist trainers will not help you get a smaller waist; end of discussion)

What is periodization training?

First, what even is periodization training? To put it simply, it's where you:

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