How do you know if your current program is effective in improving your athletic performance?
When was the last time you assessed your posture, your range of motion, your strength levels, your body fat, or your anaerobic power?
The testing methods you use will, of course, depend on your needs and your goals.
Strength is one of those qualities that’s easy to develop and easy measure. If the loads keep increasing, then you’re stronger. However, is that strength transferring to your on the field performance?
Perhaps not.
For instance, your vertical jump, which is an easy way to measure power, may stagnate or decline with an overemphasis on high volumes of strength training. If your sport demands a high level of power for on the field success, your record weight room numbers may not be indicative of an effective program based on your current needs.
Test, determine your needs, design the program, execute the program, retest, and repeat.
Bill