Individualization in Training: Important, But Not Everything

When it comes to exercise science, one principle that often comes up is individualization. The idea is simple: training programs should be tailored to the unique needs, abilities, and goals of each person. And there’s truth to that—no two people are exactly alike, and factors such as training history, genetics, injury history, age, and lifestyle all affect how someone responds to exercise.

But here’s the other side of the coin: while individualization matters, it’s not the only thing that matters. At the end of the day, we are all human, and our bodies are built on the same fundamental systems of movement, adaptation, and recovery.

Why Individualization Matters

A beginner can’t train the same way as a professional athlete. A 20-year-old college student may recover faster than a 60-year-old retiree. And someone with a history of shoulder injuries shouldn’t be doing the exact same pressing movements as someone with pain-free joints. This is where individualization shines—it helps us account for the differences that could otherwise hold people back or increase injury risk.

Why It’s Not the Whole Picture

Despite these differences, the basics of human movement don’t change. We all hinge at the hips, squat, push, pull, rotate, and carry. Our muscles adapt to progressive overload. Our cardiovascular systems improve with consistent training. No one is exempt from the laws of physiology.

That means the vast majority of training principles—progressive overload, specificity, and recovery—apply universally. What changes from person to person is the degree and approach. One client may deadlift 400 pounds, while another deadlifts a kettlebell off the ground. The movement pattern is the same, only scaled.

The Balance Between Individual and Universal

The real takeaway is this: individualization should fine-tune a program, not completely reinvent it. Most people don’t need a one-of-a-kind, hyper-customized plan. They need a well-structured program that respects the fundamentals and makes small adjustments for their goals, abilities, and limitations.

So yes—training should be personal, but it should also be practical. The best program is one that combines universal principles of human movement with enough flexibility to fit your unique situation.

Final Thought

Don’t get lost chasing the perfect “individualized” program. Instead, focus on the basics of movement, progression, and recovery. Remember—we are all different, but we are also more alike than we think.