Jack of All, Master of None

Some call it program hopping, some call it muscle confusion, some call it simply, changing it up. In any case, it’s not an effective training strategy if you want to see real benefits from your training. I can certainly understand not wanting to be bored with your training as well. With that consistency is king and you’ll need it to master certain movements (whether you want to or not). Below I have 3 ways I've found work great to at least OK with my gen pop folks.
 
Consistency leads to mastery- If I had my way, I would want trainees to be on the same program, like the exact same, for about 6 weeks. I’m not a fool and realize most people won’t find that enjoyable so I compromise at 4 and since my pricing model matches well with that, that’s what I’ve stuck with and it’s worked. What I have found is that if I change the program just a touch after 4 weeks, for 4 more weeks, it gets the clients to develop good understanding of the movements. So, in the end, consistency is king both in showing up and in your training program.
 
Variety is the spice of life- I’m not so hardheaded to think that folks won’t get bored with the program, so I’ll change reps, SOME variations and sets. Sometimes it's after that 4th week, and if not then, absolutely after the 8th week, unless someone likes where things are going. The cornerstone movements usually won’t vary all that much, hinge, squat, push, pull and carry. Why? Because those are the big money movements that provide you more bang for your buck the better you master them. The accessory movements are the ones that move the most, while still seeing benefits.
 
For those that can’t help themselves- Should you run into a situation where you need weekly variety with someone, the best compromise for both sides are simple. Keep the main lifts the same, hinge, squat, push, pull, carry and then vary up the accessory moves. Keep the pattern, but change the exact exercise. Keep in mind this is less ideal, and will, for very short periods, work just fine, stick with one of the above otherwise.
 
Example; Week 1 Squat as the main lift, 1-Leg RDL and 1-Arm Bench as your accessories. Week 2 Squat as the main lift, 1-Leg Hip Thrust and Landmine Press as your accessories, and so on.

The above are best, to good, to still good but less optimal. If you find yourself in  a rut (or someone you know is in a rut) consider one of the last 2 options to help kick start. Do yourselves a favor though, resist with every little bit of effort you have, total program hopping. It simply isn't a good strategy. Thanks for reading fam, have yourself a week!