In the world of training there are a lot of acronyms but GPP is at the base of every single one. General Physical Preparedness, or GPP for short, in a nutshell is training the ability to train in the conjugate method. Think for a moment about the first day you started to train. How long were you able to train for? How did you feel immediately after? What did you feel like the next day? Compare that to the last time you were in the gym. Were you training at a greater intensity? Did you train longer than that first day? Was there as much recovery time needed for your next session? Even if you are unfamiliar with the term chances are you experienced a growth in your GPP. But how is that different from your regular level of fitness?
Essentially your level of fitness and your GPP are closely related in every text I have ever been able to read. The difference can be found more in the practice and intent. When we discuss fitness we are generally talking about a person’s overall level of physical ability. GPP is training with the intent to be able to train harder and prevent injuries. A famous line from Louie Simmons, founder of Westside Barbell, on the subject of GPP is “prehab not rehab.” Now we can dive into the parts that comprise GPP training.
In true conjugate fashion movements can be kept simple but are going to be targeted to the goals you are trying to achieve. Much like accessory work that is specific to a weakness found in part of a lift GPP training will also attempt to address issues. By building a strong foundation we are able to stack strength on top specific to the sport. Your GPP work could include cardio to increase your heart rate and help you to train under stress while also including grip, since that is where most athletes fail a lift. Or maybe you spend time dragging a sled in a variety of ways to build up endurance and teach your mind how to cope with feelings like lactic acid buildup.
On the ‘prehab not rehab’ side of things we are able to address something before it becomes an issue. Various forms of mobility work can be part of GPP. Mace and club work being not only good for healthily joints but also potentially elevating your heart rate and building muscle as just one example. Traction is a sometimes overlooked part of lifting that can be incorporated into many different exercises to help prevent an injury. Just keep in mind that you can also injure yourself by going too heavy with a lot of these movements as well. Know your limits, your capabilities, and proceed at your own risk.
Ending with a personal note I can feel the difference that GPP makes in my regular training schedule. As my GPP work gets easier my numbers grow. I often times will find that when my numbers begin to stall increasing the GPP workload, either weight or reps, can kickstart things back in order. I don’t do anything overly complicated and focus on building that base. After all, if you can’t keep up with your training how will you ever keep up with your competition?
Information presented does not overrule medical advice and common sense. You are responsible for what you put inside your body. Purchasing through the provided links may earn a small commission on the sale.
CULT-OF-IRON 