In The Flexible Periodization Method (FPM) the priority system of exercises supersedes that of decreasing neural demand.

The principle of ordering exercises according to decreasing neural demand tells us to place multi-joint exercises, then single joint exercises and large muscle areas, then small muscle areas in the training program.

That makes sense, doesn’t it?

Perform the most challenging and complicated exercise while in the rested state. Subsequently, perform the less challenging and complicated exercises as fatigue sets in later in a training day.

As good as this strategy is, the problem is equally obvious: you always perform single joint exercises and small muscle areas in a fatigued state and subsequently make smaller improvements in these exercises.

The priority system deals with this matter.

The priority system involves performing the exercises that apply to a training program’s major goals first in the training session, so that the trainee can perform these exercises with maximal intensity (quality).

Regarding priority of exercises, I mentioned earlier that…

..After having improved intra-muscular coordination by bringing up the weak link, the focus then shifts to improving INTER-muscular coordination using the targeted multi-joint lifts, like squats, dead lifts etc.

I also mentioned that both modified versions of the basic lifts as well as isolation exercises can be used to bring up a weak link.

In the FPM, exercises – whether multi or single joint – performed with the purpose of bringing up a weak link are termed “assistance exercises”.

In certain phases of the macro cycle the assistance exercises – as indicated above – are the top priority of the training program and are thus performed first in the program, in accordance with the priority system.

This strategy obviously violates the principle of ordering exercises according to decreasing neural demand.

Placing assistance exercises before multi joint exercises also, to some extent, compromises performance of the multi-joint lifts. Therefore, it is – like always - essential that correct form is observed as not to compromise safety.

In later phases of the macrocycle, when the multi-joint exercises are the top priority they are trained first in the program. The assistance exercises are then trained last in the program.

To your uninterrupted success with athletes and clients of all levels,
Karsten Jensen

PS: Make sure to get “The Flexible Periodization Method” - How to Create long term training plan to succeed with athlete/clients of any level. Available for purchase in a few weeks.

As you may have noticed, I list spiritual strength on the top 20 list of insider strength and conditioning details.

What is spiritual strength and why is it important?

I don’t think anyone can claim the sole right to define spiritual strength, so here is a definition that makes sense to me :

Inner strength caused by beliefs about God/The Creator/Life that are enabling or disabling you to live your purpose/a life of fulfillment.

Oh, I said the “G” word – God.

“But I am not religious,” I can hear you say. Or given you know I am a Caucasian male living in a western  country, you may have assumptions about my religious affiliations that you don’t share.

Spiritual strength CAN be related to religion, but it does not need to be. EVERYONE has beliefs about how life works:

Finish the following sentences:

Life is a …………… (struggle, journey, adventure, etc).
The purpose of life is ………….. (to learn, be happy, there is none).

For many reasons, your clients’ beliefs about life have a deciding influence on their training progress. One of these reasons being, that due to our physiological make up our thoughts are perceived in ALL tissues in the body (check out Deepak Chopras “Magical Mind, Magical Body” or Bruce Lipton’s “Biology of Belief”).

Yes, I wrote, “our thoughts are perceived by ALL tissues in the body.”

Paul Chek has observed the relationship between spiritual and sometimes religious issues and his clients progess. He soon realized that in order to help his clients, he needed to educate himself on the matter.

While some people criticize him for not sticking to training related issues, he has taken the natural path of any trainer/therapist: acquire the skills you need in order to help your clients the best way possible.

I highly recommend his article Why I Speak of Religion As I Do.

To your uninterrupted success,
Karsten Jensen

16.     NEVER let anyone perform an exercise with less than perfect technique.
17.     Two ears, one mouth.
18.     Keep asking questions of your training programs and let your weak points determine your educational efforts.
19.     Keep meticulous files, structuring the information you want to use for future training programs.
20.     Determine which skills you want to master and work with other professionals on the area you don’t master.