Week 1: Setup and Challenges
Before even starting this journey I will have to recognize the challenges that may occur during the process.
- I work a near-full-time property maintenance job which can be fairly physically demanding (especially on the legs..you know…the main muscles used in jumping).
- I have already attempted a rough vertical program months ago in which I had great success. The unfortunate truth about training however is a term called “newbie gains” which refers to the fast growth a person makes when initially starting a new training program. What often follows these “newbie gains” is a plateau in which the rate of progress slows significantly. Since my body has been conditioned to similar exercises already, progress will be more difficult compared to never having trained before. This is shown in a study found in the National Library of Medicine where untrained individuals experience a higher level of muscular growth and capacity compared to trained individuals.
- 5-7 Weeks is not a long time to see substantial growth. Even a 10% increase would be a significant jump in ability (no pun intended) so we need to be aware that with all these factors combined, there may be little adaptation at the end of the whole project. However, the journey is just as important as the destination.
With all this in mind, and using the following sources in conjunction with a fellow friend/trainer’s help in bringing everything together…the following video shows our starting point, and the training program moving forward.
Weekly Check Up:
Standing/Running Vertical: 24/28 inches
Sources used in creating the program
Hello Mason! I commend your proactiveness in acknowledging the potential challenges that may come up during your training journey. With your physically demanding job I hope you can find the balance between your workload and your vertical training program. Navigating through this phase can indeed test your patience and persistence. 5-7 weeks can be short but fulfilling at the same time knowing the journey towards self-improvement is a continuous process filled with ups and downs, and no matter how small your next step is, you are moving closer to your goal. I truly believe that having a solid support system is a huge factor in the success of every endeavor. May all your effort gain you valuable insights and personal growth along the way. Wishing you all the best with this learning project and I’m looking forward to reading more about it!
Thanks so much Rowena! Fortunately I would say the learning and progress has been successful so far despite the challenges!
Hey Mason! I had to come and see how that vertical jump was/is progressing. I am excited to see how you are able to get some more height on that jump, although you make a good point that it is not nearly enough time, hopefully it is enough time to build a good habit and continue on jumping!
I absolutely agree that although not much progress may be made due to the time constraint, that it will still build a good habit that I can hopefully continue! Thanks Sarah
Hi Mason
Great baseline/outline of learning project! You have a clinical approach to this and I can’t wait to see how it develops! Good luck!