#169 - Optimal Amount of Noise in Training

Training that is structured has its upsides, it is predictable and a safe bet, but progress can be slow and it can become boring. Chaotic training can produce quick results but tends to lead to plateaus and a lack of direction. Finding the right balance between the two is one of the more constant challenges in programming, particularly in a group class setting. How much variation is useful noise and how much is just randomness is not always easy to judge. Managing the expectations and psychology of different members is often harder than writing a smart progressive programme. You are never going to please everyone. But direction in training matters, and so does writing something people actually want to show up and do. In this episode we talk about finding the right level of noise in a group class programme. We get into why members will often accept strength progressions but resist the same approach applied to conditioning, and we discuss whether CrossFitters would actually enjoy other group fitness formats like F45 and Barry's Bootcamp. Check out the episode for a few useful takeaways for anyone planning cycle progressions for group classes. If you're not already subscribed to our newsletter, head over to www.legionsc.com to get a weekly selection of training tips and our favorite articles. We run online workshops for coaches as well. Find out when our next workshop is here: https://legionsc.com/program-design-workshops These podcasts are posted in video format on YouTube as well. Show Notes: [0:00] What is noise in CrossFit training [2:00] Why this is challenging in a group class setting [4:45] Managing structure and variety in class programming [7:15] Is Barry's Bootcamp random or structured [11:00] Making class programming varied but legible and progressive [13:30] Would CrossFitters enjoy things like F45 and Barry's [17:00] How to trick CrossFitters into doing conditioning progressions [22:30] More chaotic progressions for CrossFit benchmarks [27:30] Discussion on how linear progressions work