In Part 1 of Karsten Jensen’s article on Cluster Training, he explained many of the elements that lay the foundation for cluster training. In Part 2, he goes into more depth on the 5 steps to effective use of cluster training so that you can immediately begin to utilize this concept in your training programs. Be sure to go back and read Part 1 before your begin reading Part 2.
SECTION 5
Tactic #3: Auto-regulated Training
The definition of the word auto includes self and spontaneous, used in the formation of compound-words. (24)
Thus, auto-regulated training is self-regulated – or athlete/client regulated training, which could take two basic forms.
- The training is regulated based on the immediate performance of the athlete-client (but the decisions are made by the coach)
- The athlete-client is given guidelines for how to adjust specific aspects of the training based on their perception and/or performance.
Self-regulated training has also been termed Cybernetic Periodization where
“the original preplanned Periodization scheme is regularly modified by subjective and objective feedback obtained from the lifter’s current performance state. The feedback from the output of the system is used to modify the input to the system. “(25)
The subjective and objective feedback from the athlete-client may include components such as
- Rate of Perceived Exertion
- Exercise form
- Lifting Velocity
Choice is considered an inherent biological necessity and may (28)
- Enhance motivation and adherence to training sessions.
- Increase motor learning and performance.
- Increase velocity and force production.
- Postpone fatigue.
Thus, self-regulated, the training is fundamentally important to achieve the optimal training load —and thus, the optimal stimulus of the stress-response—because the moment-to-moment state of the athlete-client is fundamentally unpredictable.
Self-regulated training is an important aspect of the application of progressive overload of Periodization systems. (26)
The last section of this article integrates the three described tactics: cluster training, drop sets and auto-regulation into a powerful approach to resistance training.
SECTION 6
5 Steps to Effective Cluster Training
Section 6 describes a 5-step process for effective cluster training.
Step 1 – Program Objective
Determine the strength quality you wish to develop with the program: stabilizer endurance, structural strength (including hypertrophy), maximal strength, power or muscular endurance.
Associated with each quality is an approximate level of optimal fatigue:
At Step 4, intra-set rest criteria is chosen with the purpose of performing the program with the optimal level of fatigue.
Step 2 – Intensity Zone and Total Repetition Volume
Choose the intensity zone and total repetition volume corresponding to the chosen strength quality.
Below is an overview of the guidelines for the Repeated Effort Method (short duration) that are used with the Flexible Periodization Method. The Repeated Effort Method (short duration) is the primary method used when the objective is hypertrophy.
Example (Combination Exercise) =
Powerlifting Style Back Squat + Olympic Style Front Squat + Zercher Squat, 2 x 10+10+10
Step 3 – Start Load
Choose the start load based the training background of the athlete-client and the specific emphasis on mechanical stress or metabolic stress within in the program.
The start load will be within or slightly above the primary intensity zone for the specific type of training. As the load is dropped throughout the set, it approaches the lower end of the primary intensity zone for the type of training.
Example: Powerlifting Style Back Squat + Olympic Style Front Squat + Zercher Squat, 2 x 10+10+10
Start load (beginner) = 7RM
Start load (intermediate) = 5 RM
Start load (advanced) = 3 RM
The Flexible Periodization Method incorporates the advanced option as a way for advanced athlete-clients to maintain maximal strength in phases where the primary load is lower. (28)
Step 4 – Choose Intra-set Rest Criteria
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Most Cluster Training research uses a short, pre-determined cluster length. However, a pre-determined cluster length could make the training too easy. A performance based threshold might be a better solution. (4) A performance-based threshold makes the cluster length auto-regulated (See Section 4).
Performance-based objective and/or subjective criteria for:
- taking intra-set rest
- the length of the intra-set rest
are chosen with the purpose of achieving an optimal level of fatigue in relation to the program objective (See Step 1).
Objective Criteria
If the goal is to minimize fatigue, the cluster length should be 4 repetitions or less, to be able to complete each cluster within the phosphor – creatine stores. (1)
As mentioned above, force, power and velocity drop from the 2nd repetition of a continuous set. Different targets (for example, 10, 20 or 30% velocity loss) can be used to achieve specific levels of neuro-muscular fatigue. (30)
Velocity loss can be measured through a variety of technologies. For example, the PUSH Armband. See Table 6.3 below.
Subjective Criteria
Velocity loss is associated with an increase in rate of perceived exertion. (1)
Rate of perceived exertion (RPE) is a classic and valid way of self-estimating the training load. However, utilizing the RPE to evaluate the training load may divide attentional focus between
- Optimally executing the movement.
- Evaluating the perceived exertion.
- Counting the number of repetitions.
credit renee.jones@startribune.com
A divided focus may have detrimental effects on the performance of the athlete-client. Thus – even if it is not always possible, the Flexible Periodization Method aims to create a set up around each exercise that allows the athlete-client to focus their attention on one element.
From a mental standpoint, strength is moving awareness. (31) As long as awareness moves, you move. Thus, the primary instruction is to.
Focus on executing one repetition at a time, with perfect form and the awareness of being strong throughout the body.
If your awareness wanders from the awareness of being strong, bring it back on target. At some point, the sensory experience of fatigue will start to become stronger and overshadow the experience of strength. Will power is applied to maintain an awareness of strength despite the evidence of the senses. Even further into the set, the body stops without a conscious decision to do so. This approach aligns results in moderate to high fatigue during a set.
Table 6.3 describes objective and subjective criteria for taking intra-set rest and intra-set rest duration.
Don’t have the athlete-client look at the clock during the intra-set rest. Give absolutely minimal corrections. Focus on recovery and getting ready for the next cluster. Gauge the time in number of deep breaths.
Below is an overview of different rest durations that appear in the Cluster training literature.
Minimal, but does have effect = 5-10 sec (let go of weight, stand up, lower again, set up and repeat)
Incomplete = 10-20 sec (let go of weight, stand up + 1-3 deep breaths, lower again, set up and repeat)
(Close to) Complete (for singles) = 20-30 sec (let go of weight, stand up + 1-5 deep breaths, lower again, set up and repeat)
Close to complete (for doubles, triples, etc.) = 30-60 sec (let go of weight, stand up + 1-10 deep breaths, lower again, set up and repeat)
As the coach or trainer, check your watch to ensure that the rest periods stays within approximate time frames.
Step 5 – Decide On any Load Reduction
As long as the athlete-client can start the next cluster and the awareness of being strong, the load is kept the same.
If the client cannot start the next cluster with perfect form or the awareness of being strong then
-
- The load is reduced by 5-10% (intra-set rest stays the same).
- Intra-set rest is increased (See above).
SUMMARY
This article outlined a suggested 1st Principle of Physical Training and Strategies to Achieve it. Additionally, three program design tactics were discussed: cluster training, drop sets and auto-regulation were described. Last, a 5-step approach to cluster training was detailed.
Take advantage of this incredible concept to achieve excellent results with athlete in need of improving their strength. Be sure to understand why cluster training is being utilized and follow the 5-step approach to optimally utilize each approach.
Karsten Jensen has helped world class and Olympic athletes from 26 sports disciplines since 1993. Many of his athletes have won Olympic medals, European Championships, World Championships and ATP Tournaments.
Karsten is the first strength coach to create a complete system of periodization, The Flexible Periodization Method – the first complete method of periodization dedicated to holistic, individualized and periodized (H.I.P) training programs.
Karsten shares all aspects of The Flexible Periodization Method (FPM) with his fellow strength coaches and personal trainers through The Flexible Periodization Method workshop series (Levels I-VIII). Find more information at www.yestostrength.com.
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