Which cycle typically consists of multiple training phases leading to a specific goal?

The mesocycle is a training cycle that typically consists of multiple training phases designed to achieve a specific goal or adaption in a structured timeframe. Mesocycles often span several weeks to a few months and serve as a crucial part of a larger program, helping to progress the athlete's performance through various training focuses such as hypertrophy, strength, or peaking.

Within a mesocycle, specific training protocols can be implemented, including changes in volume, intensity, training frequency, and exercise selection. This structure allows for planned overload and recovery, which is essential for muscle growth and performance enhancement. By strategically cycling through different phases and focusing on particular adaptations, trainers and athletes can maximize their results leading up to competitions or personal fitness goals.

In contrast, a microcycle represents a shorter training period, typically one week, focusing on immediate training adjustments, while a macrocycle encompasses an entire training year and includes multiple mesocycles. The linear cycle represents a more straightforward approach without specific periodization but is not necessarily designed with the intermediate stages or variety of training phases that a mesocycle incorporates.