Going Off Script As a Novice - #401

<div>Training means you have a script or program that you follow, but whether by your choice or life circumstances, you may have to or want to go off script. So, if you're a novice and have to or want to go off script, how do you navigate the potential difficulties and tradeoffs of going off script?<br /> <br /> As a novice, you can progress quickly. For strength, this means that if you graph your progress of the weight on the bar for your lifts it will follow a line. This is a simple, hard, and effective way to train, which lets you build the habit of training, gain confidence, improve your form, and increase strength and quality of life. <br /> <br /> You cannot always--or may not always want to--follow the script. Some examples of off script events or activities include:</div> <ul> <li>sickness or injury</li> <li>vacation or business travel</li> <li>sports or other physical activities</li> <li>powerlifting or strengthlifting meet</li> <li>unplanned PR</li> </ul> <div>Different situations demand different adjustments, and it's better to plan for off script events than (e.g. powerlifting meet) than choose unplanned activities (e.g. unplanned PR) so you can both prepare and recover appropriately for them.<br /> <br /> Consistent "off script" activities will slow your strength progress, and that's okay. You'll have to adjust your program (so you'll adjust the script) and adjust your expectations. <br /> <br /> If you have a coach and participate in physical activities that the coach is not programming, communicate with your coach (to the best of your ability) when, how often, and what those activities are like. If something unexpected happens (e.g. a BJJ session is much rougher than expected), let them know.<br /> <br /> Vacations and business trips can be planned for, and you'll have to decide whether you'll train during that period or not. You can adjust planning before and after (and potentially during), and may have to take a step back afterwards.<br /> <br /> Unplanned PRs can be fun, and for advanced lifters