By Alan Shaw, Co-Founder and Head Coach of Rhapsody Fitness in Charleston, SC

If given the choice, would you rather run a 5K on a treadmill facing a blank wall or winding your way through a park? Both options will get your heart rate up, but most of us would take the park path any day all day – namely because we enjoy getting somewhere as we work and the satisfaction that comes from covering tangible ground. 

At Rhapsody Fitness, we follow progressive programming. As the name implies, it is designed to build on itself and steadily advance an athlete’s fitness by intentionally training and testing strength, stamina and skill.

There are a million and five ways to get sweaty, but progressive programming is distinct in that each workout is a meaningful step towards your greater fitness goals. 

It won’t surprise you to know that I’m simply obsessed with progressive programming. Beyond a box to check or one-size-fits-all approach, there is confidence in knowing that you are now playing the long game where every skill and drill counts. 

Progressive Programming Defined

I could go on about this for days, but here are five of the distinguished benefits of following progressive programming: 

  • Progressive programming is the difference between working out to just get sweaty and training – each workout is carefully, intentionally planned to develop strength, stamina and skill in the interest of advancing your capacity and capability as an athlete.
  • Dynamic and holistic in its approach, progressive programming is based on a master plan; each day factors into weekly objectives, which feeds into monthly goals. It’s here for the long haul and is three steps ahead of the workout you do today.
  • Progressive programming allows you to test and benchmark, which, in turn, gives you concrete data points on how you’re growing and evolving as an athlete.
  • Factoring in the whole picture, it balances hard work with necessary recovery – challenge that edge without overdoing it or dogging it.
  • Progressive programming takes the guesswork out of your training. We work on numerous movements and modalities in CrossFit – trying to tackle them all at once is the equivalent of boiling the ocean. Follow the plan and stay the course – you will get stronger and fitter.

From day one, Rhapsody proudly followed HAM Plan, which is now the official CrossFit Affiliate Programming (CAP). From the beginning, we chose this program based on it’s continuous nature and careful, intentional advancement of our athletes. Three years later, the proof-of-concept is in each and every one of you, our community, who are making strides towards your unique goals with each and every workout.  

Are you ready for your fitness journey to put you on the path towards your greater goals? Let some Rhapsody into your life today and visit us online to learn more about progressive programming.