Structured Training: Not Just for Elite Athletes

While structured training programs created by specialists were once reserved for elite athletes, they are now more accessible than ever. Increasingly, amateur athletes are turning to personalized training plans to make faster progress in their favorite disciplines.

You might ask: What are the benefits of such programs? Most people are drawn to them for one key reason: saving time—and also the motivation that comes from being supported and guided. It’s easy to forget that a plan designed by a specialist is a major time-saver. With busy schedules, most people don’t have the time to figure out which muscle group to target, what intensity to train at, or how long to work out.

With a structured plan, the training schedule is delivered daily—often by email or through an interactive platform—which greatly increases motivation. For instance, a 1-hour session on a Computrainer, tailored to the athlete’s needs, can be twice as effective as a 2+ hour unstructured outdoor session. This explains the growing popularity of power-based (watt) training!

Today, you can buy a heart rate monitor for under $100—more than enough to get started with personalized training. At specialized centers like Peak Centre, training plans are created based on a VO2max test, which determines target training zones based on speed, power (watts), or heart rate. These are further customized through a consultation that considers your availability, health history, and goals.

The result? A truly personalized plan, fully adapted to your needs.

In Summary

A program developed by a qualified specialist saves time, increases efficiency, and boosts performance. And with more and more centers like Peak Centre offering these services, it's no longer a luxury reserved for professionals. That said, not all programs offer the same quality or level of support—so take the time to choose your coach wisely. Your results will follow.

By Pierre Hutsebault, M.Sc.
Professional Coach (Certified by Coaches of Canada)
General Director – International Cycling Expert