The FITT Principle
Before starting a fitness regime there are certain aspects that you should address to make it as beneficial as possible. No matter what your goals may be this principle may be applied.
F is for Frequency – depending on your goals, this will vary. This is how often you will train per week. For best results a minimum of 3 sessions per week would be required.
I is for Intensity – the intensity of your training will change depending on your fitness levels and goals and where you are in your training plan at any given time. For example – a triathlete would begin in the off season by doing long, fairly low intensity training to regain the base strength and endurance. As competition time approaches the intensity of training would increase so that fitness levels would peak just as the season starts. During the season the triathlete would want to maintain their optimum strength and endurance by mixing both high and low intensity into their training.
T is for Time – How long will your session last. If you are doing a high intensity session it will obviously be shorter than if you were to do a low intensity session. Most sessions should last at least 30 minutes to get the most benefit.
T is for Type – this is the type of training you are doing that would be specific to your sport. There is no point doing a body building program if your goal is to be a dancer.
So when you begin training in the gym bear in mind your goals and try to work out the best way to achieve them by using FITT. Not only will you get the best results but you will also be able to avoid boredom by mixing ups sessions with various intensities. -Michael