Convergence creates superior results. It is a process by which one takes into account that there are a full spectrum of variables that lead to an outcome. These variables must all be applied in the right way at the right time in order to create superior results.
A pitcher can throw faster when all of the forces created by his body accumulate to reach a peak at the same time when the pitcher is releasing the ball. The same is true of the batter when he hits a long fly ball. When the right variables come together at the right time in the right measure, the right thing happens. This is what happens when farmers produce their best crops. It’s what happens when men figure out how to fly a rocket to the moon, and it is what happens when lifters figure out how to keep getting stronger.
Convergence = Using Each Training Variable with Precision
It takes effort to create convergence, but effort alone does not lead to convergence. Within the context of strength training, convergence occurs when you understand the variables or training factors that contribute to strength gains. This must be combined with an understanding of how each variable should be applied so that they all work together to create strength gains. The main point of this discussion about convergence is that the more you can apply each training factor with precision at the right time, the better the results. When each training factor is accounted for and incorporated into your training with precision, the long term result will be much more productive than it will be for someone who keeps trying to get better by simply training harder.
If you look at weight training, you will find that some coaches or lifters are more focused on a certain aspect of training than other aspects. The aspect they choose to focus on is always applied with precision. Let me give you some examples.
Training With a Precise Amount of Effort
Reactive Training Systems is a powerlifting system that was founded by Mike Tuscherer. He is also known as one of the first lifters who incorporated the idea of RPE or Rate of Perceived Exertion into his training. It was his influence more than any other that caused the idea to go mainstream within the powerlifting community. The whole idea behind RPE is to enable coaches to prescribe the precise amount of effort they want a lifter to use for a given workout. It also enables lifters to adjust their training poundages to the level of strength they are functioning at on a given day. RPE helps them to be aware of how much effort they are using in each workout and to go through a process of trial and error in order to zero in on the level of effort that they respond to best. This system is based on discovering how to train with a precise amount of effort in order to improve instead of simply trying to train with more effort in order to improve. We can say then, that the Reactive Training System is heavily focused on the variable of using a precise amount of effort in order to gain strength.
Click HERE for an explanation of RPE
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Precise Exercise Form
A second training variable that is often emphasized as a key to strength gains is exercise form. Richard Hawthorne, Ed Coan, and Marty Gallagher are powerlifters and coaches who place a huge emphasis on exercise form. Without the right form, you fail to get the right results. If you want a detailed explanation of how to perform each lift, these coaches will go over how to perform every detail of each powerlifting exercise with precision. If they were to watch you lift, the first thing they would zero in on is form, form, form.
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Precise Programming
A third aspect of training that is highly emphasized by some lifters and coaches is programming which refers to planning out a series of workouts with the changes that must occur over time in order to produce the best results. The plan is carefully formulated so that the right changes occur at the right time. These changes often include variations in the amount of weight, sets, reps, and exercises performed in order to optimize strength gains. One coach who puts a lot of emphasis on this aspect of training is Mike Zourdos who often teaches D.U.P. which stands for Daily Undulating Periodization. This system consists of changes in sets, reps, and weight that occur within the same week as well as changes that occur in sets, reps, and weight over the course of months.
Another popular periodization program is linear periodization in which weight is added to lifts throughout each week of a training cycle. Perhaps my favorite approach is created by Fabio Zonin and Pavel Tsatsouline who coauthored the book, Reload, Your Barbell Strength Blueprint. This book presents a method that individualizes the weekly loading increments according to how many repetitions you can perform with various percentages of your single rep max. You will also find that the book contains a fairly simple training method, but it still provides important details when it comes to how you make precise adjustments in order to make the most of your muscle fiber type.
To See the book Relaod: Click Here
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Precision Matters for Convergence
Precision matters. It matters in terms of effort, it matters in terms of exercise form, and it matters in terms of planning, scheduling, and programming. There are many other training variables that were not addressed in this article, but the main point is that in order to utilize any training factor effectively, it must be applied with precision. When you take into account that there are many training factors that make up strength training, and you learn to apply each one of them with proper precision, your training will start to come together to produce results. These results are based on the convergence of many things done correctly.
Convergence = Superior Results
Everything matters in weight training and the better you get at doing everything right, the more you will experience the right results in terms of greater strength gains. This does not come overnight. It is your willingness to be a lifetime learner that will lead to a state of convergence in which a full spectrum of training variables are correctly applied to your workouts at the same time. Those who reach a state of convergence will experience what I hope that you experience, which is that convergence equals superior results. Best of training to you.