A common obstacle to achieving recommended physical activity and desired training goals is time. This is true for recreationally trained adults and athletes, particularly at the collegiate level, where greater restrictions on practice time and training are in place. One possible solution is to implement time-saving and time efficient training routines and methods that may limit the amount of time needed to attain desired physiological adaptations—by decreasing the time needed to train and/or by increasing the frequency with which brief workouts are completed throughout the week (e.g., “microdosing”). To provide the most optimal training stimulus, the correct method must be used. Unfortunately, numerous terms describe routines and methods discussed in the current body of available literature, many of which may seem similar and lead to confusion. The purpose of this article is to outline the similarities and differences of the numerous timesaving and time-efficient training routines and methods. Ultimately, this article synthesizes the current research into practical recommendations as programming options for strength and conditioning coaches and personal trainers. The information provided may also serve as a foundation for future research opportunities in time-saving and time-efficient training.
This article discusses the findings of a recent study on the effectiveness of a time-efficient occupationally-specific training program to improve performance in qualities related to physically demanding tactical tasks in law enforcement officers.
This article presents the shoulder taps, which could serve as a more time-efficient screening tool for tactical operators. Although this article will present the shoulder taps as an assessment modality, it may be expanded upon and prescribed as an exercise for the purpose of improving trunk, hip, and shoulder stability.
TSAC FacilitatorsExercise TechniqueProgram designTesting and EvaluationMovement PatternScreening ToolFMSTactical Operators
Self-myofascial release (SMR) through the use of foam rolling or other implements is a time and cost-efficient method of increasing performance and recovery.
Personal trainersExercise Techniqueexercise recoveryself-myofascial releaseSMRFoam rolling
Law enforcement and correctional officers have the potential to be in a physically demanding situation at any time. This article is an overview of a conditioning program that can be used in physical training for recruits in the academy.
TSAC FacilitatorsExercise TechniqueProgram designTesting and EvaluationPhysical TrainingAerobic CapacityAerobic TrainingConditioningTactical Recruits
Various aspects of resistance training, such as specific exercises chosen, workout structure, resistance used, volume (repetitions and sets), rest intervals between sets, and training frequency, can be manipulated to mold the strength training program to best meet an endurance athlete’s goals.
CoachesExercise Sciencekinetic selectAerobic enduranceendurance trainingaerobic training
Various aspects of resistance training, such as specific exercises chosen, workout structure, resistance used, volume (repetitions and sets), rest intervals between sets, and training frequency, can be manipulated to mold the strength training program to best meet an endurance athlete’s goals.
CoachesProgram designcoachingattentional stylesattentional focussport psychologystrength and conditioning
A constant long-term mindset of system improvement, although often time consuming at first, will pay big dividends in the long run. All of this is done with the intent of spending more time on what truly matters: making money by helping people and changing lives.
Personal trainersOrganization and Administrationbusiness developmentpersonal training
This article discusses how high-intensity interval training may be an effective metabolic training method for soldiers trying to maintain physical preparedness during deployment.