Standard loading encompasses the use of comparable training loads and densities during the course of the training period. When it is used frequently during training, performance improvements occur only during the early portion of this phase. If this persists, performance will almost certainly plateau, and will most likely worsen, especially during the latter part of training. Modern training theorists propose that this type of loading is suboptimal in almost all circumstances and that plans using step loading, conjugated sequencing, or summated micro-cycles may end in superior performance boosts in the long term.
