Whilst there is always going to be the right tool for the job, we need to keep an open mind to the factors which lead to success or failure within the weights room. More often than not, people place a great deal of thought into their accumulative phases and not as much time is spent considering the metabolic costs and resultant fatigue of their endeavours. It is with this premise that I aim to give you the best understanding of how to best structure a period of work, followed by what is commonly known as a “de-load” or decreased intensity phase.