The topic of individualization of training for powerlifting tends to draw a few different reactions from people. There are some that feel too many lifters think they are unique, and would be better off focusing on what works for the majority of people around them. There are also those that feel many powerlifters discount the differences in each lifter, and far more individualization is necessary.

Like with many topics, my personal perspective is somewhere in the middle. I think too many beginner lifters step over dollars to pick up pennies, and shun away wisdom and principles that have a proven track record of making people stronger. At the same time, I have seen plenty of coaches, training crews, and lifters who downplay the differences in individual lifters.

This is where effective auto-regulation plays an important role in training. Auto-regulation is another topic that tends to mean different things to different people, and gets misused just as frequently. Auto-regulation, when used appropriately, can be an effective tool for making necessary adjustments to a proven plan you have in place. Whatever type of training method you use, it likely has a form of auto-regulation built into it whether you realize it or not. Auto-regulation is not just RPE or working up to a daily max; but a broader concept that translates differently to different types of lifters.

The best coaches know how to implement effective auto-regulation into training, and know how to teach lifters to become more in-tune with themselves. The longer you compete, the more you should grow in your ability to make daily decisions in training that accommodates the ebb and flow of performance, but still stays on track for the goals you have set out to accomplish.

In addition to physical variables that influence this, personality types impact training in a large way. Whether it is training environment, movement selection, feedback type, intensity level, the list goes on. Understanding personality types will make you a more effective coach and lifter.

To discuss more on this topic, I interviewed Mike Tuchscherer. Mike is an IPF World Champion Powerlifter, experienced Coach, and Owner of Reactive Training Systems (RTS). Mike has been known for years as a large proponent of individualized training, and our conversation covered some great topic and advice for both lifters and coaches. No matter what type of training method you use, there are some good principles that you can apply to your training.

By the Minute

(:55) Mike’s Training Philosophy behind Reactive Training Systems

(3:15 ) Why it’s important to play “Devil’s Advocate” to our own ideas

(6:45 ) What is Auto-Regulation?

(11:00 ) Learning more about yourself as a lifter

(14:35 ) The issue with including too much variety in training

(18:15 ) What are common mistakes people make with Auto-Regulation?

(24:00 ) The influence of personality types on powerlifting training

(30:25 ) The false perception of a disconnect between the mental and physical

(34:40 ) Building on strengths vs. only addressing weaknesses

(37:01 ) Training in a group vs. alone

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