Training plans traditionally come in one format: A plan designed around a Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. “standard” work week, with weekends off work, leaving plenty of time to spare for long rides.
But here’s the thing: 26 percent of Americans are non-day shift workers—meaning night workers, rotating shifts, or simply not the standardized 9-to-5 types, while 16 percent are part of the gig economy, meaning their hours are often fluid. And that’s not even taking into account all the freelancers and retail workers who work on weekends, but have more flexibility during the week. Or the parents who spend weekends busy with family.
Basing your training plan off of a traditional work week if you’re not a traditional worker might not be the smartest or most efficient way to train. So, what should you do instead? We asked three coaches to weigh in on considerations for creating personalized training plan or adjusting one that’s works for you. Even if you do work the typical 9-to-5, this guide can help you create a personalized training plan that makes it easier for you to stay consistent with it.