Strength Training Periodization – What are Accumulation and Intensification; How Do They Relate to General and Specific Physical Preparation?
I am a massive Poliquin fan and I have been reading his stance on periodization with regard to accumulation and intensification. What is your approach to periodization, and if it is also accumulation and intensification, would it be possible for you to outline the critical points regarding each? I am also confused as to how this relates to GPP (General Physical Preparedness) and SPP (Specific Physical Preparedness).
Accumulation and Intensification – Relative Terms to Describe Strength Training Relative Intensities
Accumulation and Intensification are relative terms that describe alternate, inversely correlated goals in strength training – volume and intensity. As a general rule, when one strength training component increases, the other must decrease. This particular concept can be applied by itself to create a simplistic periodization system, or serve as part of a more advanced model of periodization.
Whatever the system used, periods of higher volume alternated with periods of greater intensity work is valuable because it ensures that the central nervous system does not become stale from performing the same intensity effort all of the time. Additionally, when correctly applied, this type of system prevents overtraining of the individual strength qualities, as greater volumes give way to lower intensities, and vice versa. The average number of repetitions that you perform per set, or your relative intensity, is the first loading parameter that your body adapts to. Without a change in strength training stimulus, staleness is the inevitable result.
