Beyond the WOD: The Importance of Accessory Training in Maximizing Group Fitness Outcomes
Accessory training is a crucial component in maximizing the performance and overall effectiveness of our group training program. While our Mix Model training focuses on developing well-rounded fitness by targeting various domains and energy systems, accessory training complements our methodology by addressing specific weaknesses, imbalances, and individual goals.
Our workouts incorporate a combination of cardiovascular endurance, weightlifting, gymnastics, and functional movements, aiming to enhance strength, speed, power, flexibility, agility, accuracy, balance, coordination, stamina, and endurance over time. However, the broad nature of our group training can make it challenging to address individual weaknesses effectively.
This is where accessory training becomes invaluable. By incorporating targeted accessory exercises and additional personalized energy system training into our routine, our members can focus on specific muscle groups, movement patterns, or energy systems that require extra attention. Accessory training allows for more personalized and targeted workouts, helping athletes improve performance and minimize the risk of injuries while still benefiting from the motivating and supportive group environment.
For example, if an athlete faces challenges with shoulder stability during overhead movements, incorporating tempo work and specific accessory exercises can be highly beneficial. During dedicated accessory training sessions or by modifying movements within the class, athletes can include exercises such as band pull-aparts, scapular retractions, landmine presses, or Turkish get-ups. These exercises will improve shoulder stability and gradually decrease the risk of shoulder-related injuries over time. By integrating these targeted exercises into their training regimen, athletes can enhance their overall shoulder function and performance, ensuring a safer and more effective fitness journey.
Additionally, personalized accessory training enables our athletes to pursue their individual goals outside the scope of General Physical Preparedness (GPP) or Mix Model workouts, while ensuring they continue to experience the things we love about group training. It also provides a necessary respite from constant variance, allowing athletes with a lower training age to experience linear progression. By incorporating targeted exercises tailored to individual needs, athletes can establish a structured and progressive training plan alongside a generalized approach. This fosters consistent challenges and incremental increases in intensity, volume, or difficulty over time, optimizing physiological adaptations and performance enhancements.
But make no mistake, our group training program is the meat and potato, accessory is the salt and pepper.
Our group training cultivates an extraordinary community, creating a dynamic and exhilarating atmosphere that fuels consistent motivation. Moreover, it prioritizes accessibility by being cost-effective, ensuring that movement coaching is available to all, irrespective of privilege. The coach-led technical warm-ups play a pivotal role in enhancing athletes’ motor control and movement efficiency, essential for every individual. Additionally, the competitive nature of scoring workouts ignites unparalleled motivation. This says nothing of the benefits that extend far beyond the physical realm. The group provides profound mental advantages and fosters a vibrant social life within a supportive community that shares in both triumphs and challenges. There’s something magical that takes place in self induced shared suffering.
Furthermore, participating in our group training program allows athletes to regain or improve their functional abilities through appropriately scaled movements. It offers a convenient and straightforward approach to working out, requiring minimal thought and planning. As you may have heard us say before “just show up, we’ll take care of the rest”.
In summary, accessory training is a vital aspect of our group training program, as it enables athletes to target specific weaknesses, pursue individual goals, and enhance their overall performance. By incorporating personalized accessory exercises, energy system training, and the benefits of group training, we create an environment that promotes continuous progress, fosters strong connections, and delivers the physical and mental benefits of a well-rounded fitness program.
If you’d like some additional assistance with accessory programming, lifestyle coaching, or personalized energy system training, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our coaches. We’d be happy to assist!
In summary, accessory training is a vital aspect of our group training program, as it enables athletes to target specific weaknesses, pursue individual goals, and enhance their overall performance. By incorporating personalized accessory exercises, energy system training, and the benefits of group training, we create an environment that promotes continuous progress, fosters strong connections, and delivers the physical and mental benefits of a well-rounded fitness program.
About the author:
Coach Errol Clark holds over 12 years of experience as a performance coach and has helped hundreds of clients lose weight, increase strength, improve function, and decrease pain in their lives.
Errol believes in continuing education and constant learning. He is one of the few trainers in North America to successfully complete the Crossfit L3 CCFT designation and the OPEX CCP coaching modules.
Errol specializes in behavioural change and has extensive knowledge in program design. He also has a refined skill set for improving the nuances of functional movement.
