Hypertrophy Vs. Maximal Strength Phase in Periodization - Personal Trainer Community - Forum

[jeff]

I am studying about linear periodization programs for the ACSM CPT exam and hoping someone here could explain to me the difference between the Hypertrophy phase versus the Maximal Stength/ Power phase. How could I use this knowledge in designing a weight resistance program for someone. It seems like the two phases are very close to one another and I am not sure if I completely understand the difference between the two.

Thanks in advance.

Jeff

[Christina]

Hi Jeff, the hypertrophy phase will be more reps and lighter weights than the maximal strength phase. Is that what you are asking? If I recall correctly the NSCA does a lot better job explaining this. The reps/weights/rest periods of the phases are a bit overlapping. If you lock your hands, your fingers are intertwined but your hands are not. Your fingers represent the gray area where these components overlap. Does that make any sense at all? Probably not. It's hard to demonstrate this in a thread. I will pull out my NSCA text in a while and break it down the way they do and hopefully it will make more sense.

How could I use this knowledge in designing a weight resistance program for someone.

I start my clients out with higher reps and lighter weights and over a period of a few weeks they move to heavier weights and less reps. I don't do maximal strength/power phase with them. 90% of my clients just want to lose weight. Some of this stuff you will never use. It depends on the population you are training.

Christina