Periodization Made Easy

I recently thought of a good, and easy, way to incorporate periodization (planned variety) into an exercise program.  So here goes-
Use a 1-1, 2-1, 1-2 method.  Hun?  What did he say?  It's simple.
-For the first month do an equal amount of cardio and weight training (1-1).  So if you weight train for 30 minutes 4 times per week, do cardio for 30 minutes 4 times per week.
-For the second month do twice as much weight training as you do cardio (2-1).  So if you weight train for 40 minutes 4 times per week, do cardio for 20 minutes 4 times per week.
-For the third month do half as much weight training as you do cardio (1-2).  So if you weight train for 20 minutes 4 times per week, do cardio for 40 minutes 4 times per week.
After 3 months, start the program over again.

And there it is, it's that simple.

This program will allow you to maintain your normal routine if need be.  By that I mean if you go to the gym 4 times a week, you can still do that and yet incorporate variety.  You don't have to make any huge changes in the time you spend exercising (unless your currently doing nothing), you simply need to change the structure of your workouts.

I am once again, as most of you have heard me say before, stressing the importance of weight training.  I think most people lean toward the 1-2 program (half as much weight training as cardio).  Most of you make sure to get your cardio done and then if you have time left over you may do your weight training.  You really need to flip that around.  Remember that weight lifting burns calories, makes you stronger, increases metabolism, and makes your heart stronger.  Weight lifting does everything that cardiovascular exercise does and so much more!