The principles of training form the theoretical and methodological basis to induce an adaptation of the body to physical exercise. The principles come from years of experience and research mainly performed in the Eastern countries and in the former USSR in particular. The methodology is based on knowledge of biology, physiology , psychology and educational sciences. The principles guide and rule the entire training process forming a coherent vision of how to improve body and mind. The methodology forms the frame in which the elements such as the exercises, the intensity, the frequency, can be introduced. Basically it’s the strategy that support the tactics.

Principle of active participation:

The scope, the role, the engagements, the ideas of the person are vital in order to create a sense of belonging and participation. The person must feel to be part of the decisions, of the choices concerning short and long term aspects of training. The personal feelings, the impressions that the subject has of the training are fundamental because what does not appeal is generally ineffective. In order to face the sacrifice and the constant engagement demanded by training the person must be convinced and must like what has to be done.


Principle of multilateral development:

Excessive specialisation can be dangerous if not well managed. The body needs stimuli of different nature and it the presence of the heterogenerous basis that allows specialisation at more advanced stages, increasing performance in the chosen areas.


Principle of specialisation:

Only apparently in contradiction with the previous, this principle reminds that top adaptation is possible only by being exposed to a specific stimulation inducing the adaptation of those systems necessary to accomplish that specific activity. In long distance running for example these systems are the cellular mitochondria and the enzymes. In weight lifting instead the most necessary elements are the fast muscular fibres responsible for power movements.


Principle of individuality:

Core of the modern methodology of training, this principle underlines the need to create different training plans for each individual considering aspects as age, experience, anatomical structure, preferences.


Principle of variety:

The body as well as the mind, adapts quickly to stimulation of similar nature. Without contradicting the principles of specialisation and individuality, the principle of variety points out that in order to keep continuous improvement and motivations it is important to change training structure and exercises.


Principle of the progressive increase of loads:

The improvement of performance is a direct result of the quantity and quality of the performed exercise. Nevertheless because the body adapts to the stimulation we expose it to, to continue to improve it is necessary to gradually increase the work load, respecting the individual answers at the anatomical, physiological and psychological level.