Contrary to popular belief about the importance of “keeping the body guessing,” MADabolic argues too much change within strength routines leads to mixed results, burnout and injury risk

Variety is often seen as the key to keeping clients engaged in the fitness sector. But MADabolic, “The Strength Gym,” has an alternative approach — emphasizing consistency over novelty and “muscle confusion.”

Founded in 2011 by former professional hockey players Brandon Cullen and Kirk DeWaele, MADaboic currently wields 35 open units with another 50+ in development. Primed for further growth considering strength training’s increased popularity, the brand is certain to deliver this unique workout ideology to more individuals sooner rather than later.  

Debunking the Variety Myth

Countless brands in the fitness industry tout variety and “keeping the body guessing” as a crucial element for client retention and workout effectiveness. This belief stems from the idea that constantly changing workouts keep clients from getting bored and challenges their bodies in new ways. 

It’s a widely accepted concept, but that’s because few people have thought to challenge it rather than a significant amount of scientific evidence supporting it, MADabolic argues. 

Instead, MADabolic believes that too much variety within fitness routines leads to mixed results, burnout and injury risk. It prevents clients from consistently progressing, as the body never fully adapts to a specific routine or movement pattern. This lack of adaptation can stunt strength gains and overall improvement in one’s fitness.

“Anecdotally, we see new client after client frequently experience this issue,” said Cullen. “When asked ‘what do you typically do for fitness?’ the most common response among those struggling to see tangible results is ‘a little bit of everything.’ This tells us exactly why they’re not seeing results.”

credit: MADabolic

The lack of a structured training protocol means these individuals miss out on the benefits of consistency and repeated exposure to an individual program that would ultimately allow them to increase their weight, intensity and output gradually.

The MADabolic Methodology

MADabolic provides exactly that. The brand’s approach to fitness includes structured, strength-based programming built on repetition. DeWaele and Cullen design the exercises, touching on their combined 40+ years of experience, to carefully craft each workout and ensure measurable progress over time. 

Rather than constantly introducing new exercises, MADabolic emphasizes mastering fundamental movements while increasing the difficulty with this approach. The method is referred to as “progressive overload.” Progressive overload allows clients to quantify their progress and build a solid foundation that relays significant and sustainable fitness improvements.

credit: MADabolic

“Progressive overload is one of the fundamental principles of strength training,” said DeWaele. “Constantly switching up exercises makes it challenging to track progress and implement progressive overload effectively. Instead, focusing on mastering the foundational compound movements such as squats, deadlifts, lunges, carries, pushing, pulling, jumping and landing allows our clients to progressively increase the weight lifted, leading to consistent strength gains.”

This consistency shouldn’t be confused with complacency, however. Even as MADabollic members stick to the same workout routines, they gain new skills thanks to the nature of strength training. 

“There’s skill acquisition at play,” DeWaele confirmed. “Strength training is a skill that requires practice and refinement. By repeatedly performing the same exercises, our clients enhance their technique, range of motion, and load, which not only reduces the risk of injury but also allows them to get far more out of their workout.”

Recovery Benefits 

Members also stand to benefit from a recovery standpoint with the MADabolic method. The brand’s four-day per week exercise program, planned out 52 weeks in advance, gives participants ample time to rest and recuperate. The structured schedule ensures this over time as well. 

“Recovery is also a celebrated and mandatory component of the MADabolic method, not an afterthought,” said DeWaele. “Our four times per week training protocol allows for lifestyle customization, is driven by a sustainable workload and is supported by active recovery and scheduled rest — the recipe for the unstoppable results our members nationwide experience.”

credit: MADabolic

MADabolic focuses on three interval themes while doing this: Momentum, Anaerobic and Durability that rotate throughout the week. Doing so helps it apply the scalable work-to-rest ratio to each daily interval, prioritize fundamental movement quality as the building blocks of that workout and introduce varied intensities.

“Strength, structure and accountability define the value of the MADabolic Training System,” DeWaele added. “Consistency is key to seeing progress in any fitness regimen. By prioritizing consistency, we ensure that our clients build a strong foundation and continue to advance over time. Focus on creating a supportive environment where clients feel challenged and motivated. By following our methodology, you’ll ensure client success and high retention rates.”

The post The Overrated Quest for Variety in Strength Training: MADabolic’s Hot Take appeared first on Athletech News.