Progression isn’t linear

There is a common misconception that progression is linear - a constant upwards incline of improvement. This can influence how we work towards a goal - focused only on the end goal and jumping from step to step in a race to get to the finish. Sometimes, even skipping steps in order to do so. So why is this a flawed strategy?

Successful progression is actually more cyclical, in more ways than one!

Whenever we are learning a new skill, or working towards a new goal, we need to master the basics first. Build the foundations. This might be building the required strength, mobility or range of motion, the broken down movement patterns, the recovery protocols, nutrition & mindset habits etc. Once we have done so, we then have the choice to “level up” and challenge ourselves with more advanced progressions, more complex movement patterns, more challenging mobility drills, or even explore our nutrition, mindset and recovery protocols in more depth. So does that mean that we then leave behind the basics? We have mastered them after all right..?

When we start to put the pieces together, link movement patterns, use our mobility or strength in new ways, or explore more in-depth mindset, nutrition and recovery protocols, we do make progress towards our goal and this process is linear. As we continue to practise these more advanced drills and habits, we can become so focused on continuing to progress, that we stop working the basics and foundations. We stop working on maintaining the strength required for the movement. We stop working on maintaining the mobility required to put our joints through the range of motion required. We stop drilling in the broken down movement patterns. We stop focusing on the basics of mindset, recovery and nutrition (a common example of this is having a shelf full of supplements but not eating enough nutrients or whole foods in the first place). We then reach the point where we start to plateau. Or we achieve our goal but it falls apart when put under any intensity. And we can’t figure out why!

In order to move forward, to continue progressing we must regularly revisit the foundations, see where we are falling short, re-master the basics, and only then we will be able to push past plateaus and further progress and improve. This brings us to the second cyclical nature of progression - “falling short” or “failure.” Failure within the journey to a goal is actually essential to progression. Without being able to see where we fall short we would not be able to identify and then work on and improve the aspects that are missing to achieve success in our goal.

So how can we use this in our training?

Our levelled programming is designed to suit the cyclical nature of progression. Our “Base” programme provides you with the tools to build your base. The “Extend” programme provides opportunities to explore more advanced skills and training methods. Members can move back and forth between the two as needed. Our skill blocks follow a cyclic progression for all, so that the basics can be regularly addressed and re mastered. This provides opportunities for everyone to progress as their own pace and tailor the programme to best suit individual experience, needs and goals.