During Periodization Movement Prep, how long is the neural activation phase typically performed?

• A. 5-15 seconds
• B. 1-2 seconds
• C. 10-15 seconds
• D. 15-25 seconds

Answer: (A)

The neural activation phase in Movement Prep is about priming the nervous system so you can recruit motor units quickly and with high drive when you start the work. It should be brief: long enough to wake up and sharpen neural pathways, but short enough to avoid fatiguing the system or draining energy reserves. This quick burst of high‑intensity, explosive priming increases motor unit recruitment and rate coding, helping you move more powerfully and with better technique in the upcoming sets. If you overdo it, fatigue can blunt performance; if you underdo it, the nervous system isn’t optimally prepared. That balance—just a short activation window—is why this approach is recommended.