TRAINING TO TRAIN: THE GENERAL PREPARATION PHASE

A Course by Dr. Tony Boutagy

Build the Base That Makes

Every Program Work

Most training programs fail because they skip the preparation phase — the stage that develops the strength, stability, and work capacity for real progress.

This course teaches you how to build that base using proven methods from coaches and athletes across every level of performance.

ENROL NOW

EXPLORE OTHER COURSES

Evidence-based education, trusted by 50,000+ coaches and lifters.

WHO THIS COURSE IS FOR

For Coaches

You've seen clients hit plateaus or get injured when programs push too hard, too soon.

This course gives you the structure and science to design general preparation phases that improve performance and keep clients training long-term.

For Experienced Lifters & Fitness Enthusiasts

You want to train seriously but keep running into fatigue, soreness, or stalled results.

Learning how to "train to train" helps you build the foundation for strength, endurance, and resilience — so you can handle more advanced programs safely and effectively.

Learning Outcomes

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN

By the end of this course, you'll:

UNDERSTAND

The purpose, structure, and progression of the General Preparation Phase (GPP).

LEARN

How to build stability, endurance, and strength that prepare the body for performance.

APPLY

Key programming principles that enhance movement quality and recovery.

DESIGN

Beginner to intermediate GPP programs that improve results and prevent injury.

ASSESS

And adapt programs for a range of clients and performance goals.

Curriculum

INSIDE THE COURSE

Module 01

Introduction to the General Preparation Phase

Understand what GPP is, why it’s essential, and how it forms the foundation for every future phase of training.

Module 02

General Programming Principles

Learn the key variables that drive adaptation. Including load, frequency, recovery, and progression and how to apply them to yourself & real-world clients.

Module 03

GPP for Beginners, Part 1

Explore the first stage of program design for beginners, focusing on core movement patterns and strength foundations.

Module 04

Intermediate Strength Assessments & Developing Cardiovascular Work Capacity

Discover how to assess intermediate clients and implement conditioning strategies that build work capacity and resilience.

Module 05

Intermediate GPP Program Design

Design and progress programs for clients who have built their initial base, incorporating load management and volume progression.

Module 06

Intermediate GPP Continued

Refine and advance your intermediate programs with updated methods, focusing on balance, intensity control, and skill development.

Module 07

GPP for Well-Trained Individuals, Part 1 – Assessments

Learn how to evaluate well-trained clients, identify strengths and weaknesses, and individualise GPP protocols accordingly.

Module 08

GPP for Well-Trained Individuals, Part 2 – Periodisation, Programs & Exercise Selection

Integrate everything you’ve learned to design advanced GPP programs, covering periodisation, exercise selection, and real-world programming examples.

START LEARNING NOW →

Why It Matters

The Base Phase That Makes All Training Work

Most people want to jump straight to advanced training, but without a strong base, results are temporary.

This course shows you how to develop the physical qualities and systems that make every future phase more effective for you and your clients.

Whether the goal is strength, fat loss, or performance.

"Before you chase performance, you must first build the capacity to sustain it."

— Tony Boutagy, PhD

Student Feedback

WHAT STUDENTS SAY

I am the coach I am today because of Tony. His ability to break down complex ideas into clear, practical systems has completely changed how I train clients.

Sean McInroy

Coach

To anyone who wants to broaden their knowledge on fitness and nutrition and everything in between, Tony Boutagy’s courses are the go-to. The context and delivery was AMAZING!!!!!!! I learnt so much. Tony is so knowledgeable and relates to students in a friendly and caring manner …..delivering the information in a way that is easy to follow and understand….. I found it outstanding how Tony responded promptly to all of the questions I had and went in depth with his responses ….10/10 for sure !!!!!!!! Can’t wait to study with him again!!!!!

Gloria D'Amico

The fact that I was up at 1am Eastern Time to participate on the live zoom calls speaks for itself - great sessions. Tony is engaging and also respectful of participants in taking time to answer all the questions. The materials provided are fantastic and the gifts that keep on giving. I have started to apply the lessons taken away from the materials and recorded lectures. As a non-pro, there is much to take in and learn.

M. Poze-Grise

Fantastic, I only just completed Fat Loss Fundamentals and I thought that was great but TTT was even better. So practical! Anatomy is not my strong suit but I learnt so much! I love anything rehab and this course teaches so much in that aspect. Everybody has niggles and weaknesses but there isn't much out there teaching how to fix these without studying a degree. What this course teaches is so good every personal trainer needs to do it. Also in my opinion many physiotherapists could learn something.

Katjana Dolby

Trainer

The course was nothing short of excellent in terms of providing the most recent, relevant and well-conducted research. As usual, Tony does a fantastic job of breaking down these research findings and explaining their application for the everyday person. Tony does the hard work of sifting through the noise, making it a walk in the park for you to understand how to safely and effectively facilitate fat loss while minimising the potential drawbacks.

A. Fowler

The course material is presented articulately, precisely and methodically, and really bridges the gap between what information is available to new trainers and what they really need to know. I recommend jumping in on this course.

Tracy Welsh