A Feasibility Study Investigating the Sustainability and Safety of a Non-Periodized Protocol with Linear Load Progression during the Initial 12 Weeks of Strength Training

Petrizzo J, Dimenna FJ, Douris PC, Jung M, Feigenbaum J, Page R, Machaby J, Wygand J, Otto RM. A Feasibility Study Investigating the Sustainability and Safety of a Non-Periodized Protocol with Linear Load Progression during the Initial 12 Weeks of Strength Training. JEPonline 2018;21(5):84-96. This study determined the sustainability and safety of a linearlyprogressive, non-periodized resistance training protocol for beginners by having the subjects attempt to complete 12 wks of training comprising the squat exercise. Fifty-eight subjects with no previous history of resistance training participated in this study. The main finding from this feasibility study was that 60% of the subjects were able to linearly progress their load on the squat during each session of a 12-wk intervention. Our findings show that it is feasible for a majority of young strength-training novices to complete 12 wks of non-periodized resistance training involving the squat exercise performed with a load that is linearly progressed during every workout session.