đ« The Flight Manual for Strength: Why You Need a Plan
By Coach Marc Hudson | Maverick Strength Co.
Most people are flying blind in the gym.
No structure. No progression. No clear destination.
They show up, hit a few machines, maybe max out a lift âjust to see where theyâre at,â then rinse and repeat. Itâs the equivalent of hopping into a cockpit and throttling up without a flight plan. At best, youâre circling the runway. At worst, youâre headed for a stall.
If you want results that actually stickâmuscle, strength, performance, confidenceâyou need more than random effort. You need direction.
Hereâs how to build your own strength flight manual:
âïž 1. Set a Clear Destination
Are you trying to get stronger? Build muscle? Improve energy? Rehab an injury?
Be specific. Vague goals like âget in shapeâ donât hold up under pressure. Choose a target that can guide your decision-making in the gym.
Pro Tip:
Pick one primary focus for the next 6â12 weeks. Strength? Then let strength dictate your plan. Everything else (cardio, mobility, arms) should support it, not compete with it.
đ 2. Use a Repeatable System
Progress comes from consistency, not novelty.
Instead of chasing trends or switching programs every 2 weeks, stick to a system you can track:
- Main lift (Squat, Bench, Deadlift, Press)
- Assistance work
- Accessories based on your weaknesses
Start with:
- 3â4 training days per week
- 2â3 main compound lifts
- 1â2 accessories per lift
- 1 goal per training block
Donât overcomplicate it. The basics, done consistently, outperform fancy.
đ 3. Track What Matters
Would you take off without knowing your fuel level? Donât train without tracking the stuff that actually moves the needle.
Track:
- Weights lifted
- Sets and reps
- How the lift felt (RPE or effort level)
- Sleep, stress, and nutrition if you're dialed in
You donât need a fancy app. Notes on your phone or a simple spreadsheet work. The key is knowing whatâs workingâand whatâs not.
đ§ 4. Adjust When Life Gets Bumpy
Your training plan should be a guide, not a prison sentence.
Missed a day? Travel got flipped? Kid woke you at 3am? Itâs fine. Adjust. A good plan has built-in flexibility. What matters most is showing up again.
Pilots call it course correction. Training is no different.
đŹ Final Thoughts
Random training creates random results. Intentional training creates progress that lasts.
If youâve been frustrated, plateaued, or unsure where to start â this might be why. Having a plan isnât about being rigid. Itâs about giving your effort direction so it actually means something.
You donât need to train for a meet. You just need to train with purpose.
đ§ Need Help Building a Plan?
If this resonated and youâre ready to get your training aligned with your mission, Iâm always down for a quick call to help you get on track.
đ©ïž Book a free 15-min strategy call â
No pressure. No hard sell. Just clarity and next steps.
Coach Marc Hudson
Owner | Maverick Strength Co.
@MaverickStrengthCo | www.mavstrength.com
