Designing and evaluating training programs

Designing Training Programmes

Training programmes should be set out based on the FITT principle (Frequency, Intensity, Time, Type), also considering individual’s specific requirements and their current fitness levels.
Specificity should be taken into account during the design, focusing on the specific sport or activity.
Appropriate warm-up and cool-down sessions must be included to prepare the body for exercise and aid recovery.
Variety of training methods should be implemented, like continuous, circuit, interval, fartlek, and weight training, depending on the individual and their goals.
The programme must include both rest days and active recovery days to prevent overtraining and injury.
Consideration of the equipment and facilities available for the individual is necessary.

Evaluating Training Programmes

Goals and objectives of the individual should be defined and the progress made towards these should be evaluated.
Regular fitness testing can be conducted to gauge progress, but the same test should be used each time for consistency.
Documenting the training, noting how it felt, and the progress made, can assist in evaluations.
Adjustments should be made based on performance, any problems, or changes in goals or availability.
The evaluation should take into account improvements as well as anything that didn’t go as expected.
Client feedback and self-evaluation should be gathered, analysed and used to improve the training programme design in the future.
The balance between training and recovery should be evaluated to make sure the individual is neither overtraining nor under-training.

Training Programme Safety

The individual must be educated about proper technique to prevent injuries.
The training environment should be safe and suitable for the type of training and the individual.
Adequate hydration and nutrition should be factored in to support the individual’s training and recovery.
It’s important to be aware of signs of overtraining such as persistent muscle or joint pain, decreased performance, fatigue, and mood changes.
The fitness and health status of the participant should be regularly assessed and the programme should be modified if the participant is ill or injured.