Is Your Training Program Actually Working?
- Coach Dave
- Aug 5
- 2 min read
A performance lens for athletes over 30
If you’re an athlete over 30, consistent training is non-negotiable—but consistency alone doesn’t guarantee results. Many athletes follow demanding programs that feel effective but fail to deliver measurable progress. The problem? A lack of structure, feedback, and long-term planning.
At Masters High Performance Coaching (MHPC), we believe every training phase should move you closer to your goals with purpose, not guesswork. Here’s how to determine whether your current program is actually working:
1. Progress Is Multi-Dimensional—So Should Your Tracking Be
Improvements in pace or scale weight only tell part of the story. Effective training for athletes over 30 should lead to:
Strength/Power progression (e.g., increased loads, improved movement control, faster bar speeds)
Enhanced recovery (less soreness, improved sleep, more energy between sessions)
Improved resilience (reduced injury frequency, better joint function)
Consistency in performance (maintaining output across the session, week, or block)
If none of these are trending upward, it’s time to reassess.
2. Your Program Should Be Structured Around Phases—Not Just Workouts
Training that lacks a clear structure often leads to stagnation or overtraining. A quality program uses periodisation—progressively organised blocks including deloading/recovery to match the athlete’s needs, goals, and timeline.
At MHPC, each training phase is purposeful: building capacity, increasing force output, or promoting strategic recovery. If your current plan feels random or reactive, it likely lacks the direction required to yield long-term results.
3. You’re Adapting—Not Just Enduring
Hard training isn’t always effective training. Sessions that leave you constantly sore or depleted may be exceeding your recovery capacity—especially if you’re over 30.
Signs that you’re adapting effectively include smoother movement, improved repeatability, and steady progression without excessive fatigue. If you’re simply “getting through it” each week, your body is likely coping, not improving.
4. Consistency Is Sustainable—Not Sacrificial
The best programs support consistency without demanding unsustainable intensity or frequency. At MHPC, our clients stay engaged and on track not because they push harder every day—but because the programming fits their lifestyle, capacity, and recovery.
If your current routine feels like it constantly competes with your work, family, or health, it may be working against you, not with you.
At MHPC, We Train With Purpose
We don’t rely on guesswork or general templates. Every athlete we coach follows a structured, adaptable plan designed to deliver measurable outcomes across strength, performance, and durability.
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