One of the most common questions I get from potential clients is: “Which plan is right for me?”
I get it. Having three plans (START, PROGRESS, UNLIMITED) can be confusing, especially if you’re looking for a cycling or triathlon coach for the first time. In this article, I’ll help you figure out which plan fits your current level and goals.
Ask Yourself the Right Questions
Before you even look at the plans, answer these three questions:
1. How much time can you actually dedicate to training?
This isn’t about how much you “would like” to train. It’s about the realistic number of hours per week you can actually commit to structured training.
- Less than 6 hours/week → START or PROGRESS
- 6-10 hours/week → PROGRESS
- 10+ hours/week → PROGRESS or UNLIMITED
2. How important is this goal to you?
Is this a “nice to have” or “this is my main goal for the season”?
- General fitness and health → START
- Specific goal (Gran Fondo, IM 70.3) → PROGRESS
- Top-level amateur goal (IM, multi-day race) → UNLIMITED
3. How much experience do you have with structured training?
- I’ve never followed a plan → START
- I already use TrainingPeaks/generic plans → PROGRESS
- I have experience with serious training → PROGRESS or UNLIMITED
START Plan: Ideal for Getting Started
Who it’s for:
- Beginners to structured training
- Recreational athletes looking to improve their fitness
- Athletes with limited time (4-6 hours/week)
What you get:
- Personalized weekly plan (not generic!)
- Weekly training analysis
- Email support
- 10% discount on all tests
Why it works: The START plan gives you structure without overwhelm. If you have no experience following a training plan, this is a great way to learn discipline, get familiar with TrainingPeaks, and see how your body responds to a systematic approach.
Many people think they need more, but the truth is: if you don’t have a basic structure in place, more communication won’t help. Start here, do 3-6 months, then move up to PROGRESS.
PROGRESS Plan: For Serious Amateurs
Who it’s for:
- Athletes with a clear goal (race, event)
- Those already training 6+ hours/week
- Athletes who want to maximize limited time
What you get:
- Everything from START +
- Detailed weekly analysis
- HRV data analysis
- WhatsApp support
- Race preparation
- 15% discount on tests
Why it works: PROGRESS is the sweet spot for most serious amateurs. WhatsApp support means fast response times when a question comes up or your schedule changes. Detailed race preparation ensures you show up on race day in peak form.
This is the plan for the athlete who:
- Knows what they want to achieve
- Is willing to put in the time and effort
- Needs expert guidance, not 24/7 hand-holding
UNLIMITED Plan: No Compromises
Who it’s for:
- Athletes with top-level amateur goals
- Those training 10+ hours/week
- Athletes preparing for specific events (Ironman, ultra-endurance)
What you get:
- Everything from PROGRESS +
- Daily training analysis
- Daily plan adjustments
- Advanced techniques
- Unlimited communication
- 20% discount on tests
Why it works: UNLIMITED isn’t for everyone. It’s for the athlete who trains nearly every day, where every session counts, and where a wrong decision can wreck an entire training block.
If you’re training 12 hours/week and preparing for an Ironman, you need someone monitoring every workout, every HRV reading, every change. This is the plan for maximum personalization.
My Advice
Most athletes need the PROGRESS plan.
If you’re torn between START and PROGRESS → start with START. If you’re torn between PROGRESS and UNLIMITED → go with PROGRESS.
You can always upgrade. It’s harder to go back down.
And don’t forget: the plan itself doesn’t produce results. Your discipline, consistency, and willingness to follow the plan — that’s what produces results.
Once you’ve chosen a plan, INSCYD testing can help us pinpoint exactly where you stand and what to focus your training on.
Ready to get started? Get in touch and we’ll find the right plan for you together.