(May be reprinted freely if linked to www.ExerciseCertification.com)Chaos is
scientific study of orderly disorder. It offers a way of seeing order and pattern where formerly only random, erratic, and unpredictable (viz., chaotic) had been observed. If a rock cliff is inspected, with its many jagged and irregular patterns splitting off in all directions, it can be concluded that rock’s pattern appears same whether looking at 100 square feet or 1-square inch of area. Hence, although overall structure appears different, i.e. divergences and measure of rock cut, fragments that constitute composition maintain close resemblance. Consequently, although chaotic in appearance, its nature is predictable and purposeful. Similarly, exercise can be very chaotic yet predictable, ever changing from one workout to next but with direction... extreme variety coupled with standardization for purposes of sufficient measurement and comparison.
Chaos TrainingTM is randomization of exercise stimuli that includes a limited measure of standardization in order to maintain a benchmark in which to compare exercise performance. In other words, this method provides from workout to workout an accurate method of measurement, to establish and test training progress, yet it allows for dramatic alteration of stimulus, making exercise (at very least) more enjoyable and interesting. Chaos TrainingTM is an ideal method for maintaining motivation while instilling structure – two indispensable considerations for trainees as well as exercise instructors needing to collect feedback data from their clients. Now, perhaps most relevant concern when altering a program too frequently is consistency in maintenance, and collection of data, to determine whether there is progress and by how much. Essentially, trainees must have a benchmark from which to compare, to determine cost or benefit of current and future protocols. However, a person should not maintain exact protocol from workout-to-workout for too long, since this causes an over-adaptation to exercise stimulus. In other words, a person wants to adapt to program by developing larger and stronger muscles, but does not want to adapt to methods of exercise that act to stimulate gains.
On that basis, a highly variable routine enhances productivity, yet there needs to be some degree of consistency to gauge progress. This is possible so long as there remains some consistency at some point in workout. And best time and place for being consistent and standardized is at commencement of a workout. Consider, for example, a trainee deciding always to alter his workouts, e.g., no two workouts will be exactly same, or that it may be several weeks or months before same sequence and set variables are repeated in same manner. Three different workouts (for any exercise) using breakdown/rest-pause method of exercise could appear as follows:
