Program Design Tip #1: Consider Training Age With Clients When Designing Programs

Charles Poliquin probably gets credit for stressing the importance of Training Age in clients. 

When working with clients consider their training age (How long they have been resistance training).  In my experience in the health club setting, clients who have less than two years lifting experience should be on 4-week training blocks.  In a 12-week program these clients would have three 4-week blocks.

Clients who have more than two years of lifting experience should be on 3-week training blocks as their body adapts faster and they usually get bored faster.  With these more experienced clients a 12-week program would have four 3-week blocks.

When designing training programs using one of the training age examples listed above is a nice first step to client fitness success.