What is a mesocycle in periodisation?

• A. A weekly plan
• B. The overall training plan
• C. A single training session
• D. A middle-term block within the macrocycle

Answer: (D)

In periodisation, training is built in blocks. The macrocycle is the entire season or long-term plan, and within it a mesocycle is a middle-term block that targets a specific training goal for several weeks. It sits between the big macrocycle and the shorter microcycles, which are the weekly plans. A mesocycle is designed to progress gradually, adjusting volume and intensity to drive particular adaptations (like endurance, strength, or speed) while managing fatigue. After finishing one mesocycle, you typically move to another with a different focus or taper for a key event. For example, you might have a mesocycle focused on aerobic endurance for six weeks, then shift to a mesocycle focusing on strength and power.