Are 12 Week programs a great way to get started with triathlon, start your season, or build into a race?
After launching our very own version of a 12 week training program (The Entire Performance Academy. ) ... I thought it would be a good opportunity to look at whether or not the standard 12 week plan is worth it.
Related: Some basic examples
Pro's and Con's of 12 week training plans
12 week training plans have become increasingly popular in recent years, particularly among those looking to make significant changes to their performance in a short amount of time. These plans often promise to help you lose weight, build muscle, or improve your overall fitness level in just 12 weeks.
But are these plans really worth it? The answer is not necessarily straightforward, as it depends on a variety of factors. Here are some pros and cons to consider when deciding whether a 12 week training plan is right for you.
Pros:
Short-term focus: One of the biggest benefits of a 12 week training plan is that it provides a clear and concise roadmap for reaching your fitness goals. With a specific end date in mind, you'll be able to stay motivated and focused on your progress.
Variety: Many 12 week training plans offer a wide range of workouts and exercises, which can help keep things interesting and prevent boredom.
Support: Many 12 week training plans come with support from trainers or other professionals, which can be helpful if you're new to working out or have specific questions or concerns.
Cons:
One-size-fits-all approach: One potential drawback of 12 week training plans is that they often follow a cookie-cutter approach, which may not be tailored to your individual needs and goals.
Sustainability: While 12 week training plans can be effective in the short term, they may not be sustainable over the long haul. It's important to consider whether you'll be able to maintain the changes you make once the plan is over.
Cost: Some 12 week training plans can be quite expensive, which may not be feasible for everyone.
Ultimately, whether a 12 week training plan is worth it will depend on your individual goals, budget, and lifestyle. If you're looking for a structured, short-term approach to improving your fitness, a 12 week training plan may be a good option. However, if you're looking to make more long-term changes to your lifestyle, it may be more beneficial to develop a more sustainable, ongoing fitness routine.
Here are a few sources of training plans:
What are the differences between a training plan and a Triathlon coach?
A training plan is a structured program that outlines the exercises, workouts, and other activities that you should do in order to reach your fitness goals. It usually includes a specific schedule of what to do on which days, and may also include nutritional recommendations and other tips.
A coach, on the other hand, is a trained professional who provides guidance and support to help you reach your goals. A coach can be a personal trainer, a sports coach, or any other type of professional who helps people improve their fitness, performance, or overall well-being.
Here are some key differences between training plans and coaches:
Customisation: Training plans are typically more generic and one-size-fits-all, while coaches can tailor their guidance to your individual needs and goals.
Support: Training plans often don't include support or guidance, while coaches are available to provide ongoing support and answer questions.
Feedback: Coaches can provide feedback and evaluation on your progress, which can help you identify areas for improvement and stay motivated.
Cost: Training plans are generally less expensive than hiring a coach, but they may not be as personalised or effective.
Ultimately, whether you choose a training plan or a coach will depend on your individual needs and goals. If you're looking for a more structured and specific approach to reaching your fitness goals, a training plan may be a good option. However, if you want more personalised support and guidance, a coach may be a better choice.
We do offer a hybrid training plan / coach option which could be a good alternative to the more expensive one to one packages. We call it the Entire Performance Academy.
Related: Benefits of an online coach
Related: How to make your own training plan
Other than ourselves (of course ;) ), here are some other companies that may be of interest:
How do you make training sustainable?
Here are a few tips for making your training routine sustainable over the long term whether it be within a training plan, or with a coach:
Make it enjoyable: Choose activities that you genuinely enjoy doing, rather than ones that you feel you "should" be doing. This will make it easier to stick with your routine and stay motivated.
Find a balance: Don't try to do too much too soon. Gradually increase the intensity and duration of your workouts over time to avoid burnout. A good training plan or coach will take care of this for you.
Mix things up: Don't be afraid to try new activities and switch up your routine from time to time. This will help prevent boredom and keep things interesting.
Be consistent: easier said than done... concentrate more on the processes that allow you to be consistent; Intensity control, good fuelling, enough sleep, forward planning.
Make it a priority: Schedule your workouts into your week and treat them like any other important commitment. A training plan will do this, but using a coach is a more adaptable and flexible method of training.
By following these tips, you'll be able to create a training routine that is sustainable, enjoyable, and fits into your lifestyle over the long term.
If you're interested in a 12 week program but want the benefits of having the oversight of a coach at the same time, check out our Performance Academy. Register your interest to go onto the waiting list. We will let you know when the next start date is and get started in helping you to achieve your goals!