2016/02/19

Hypertrophy sets and low rep training

Eastern bloc powerlifting training is mostly low reps on basic lifts, high volume, high frequency and very limited or no assistance. We all know this kind of training builds tremendous strength, power and neuro/motor skills, however, it is probably not the best system for maximum hypertrophy. Sure you will get quite big and jacked but what if you want more?

Typically, when people want to add mass and get huge, they add assistance. Done with 5 sets of 3 of heavy squats? Well, brah, let's do some leg extensions and leg curls. Finished with heavy benching 5x4? Let's do some inclines and flys.

Sure you can do this but there is, in my opinion, a better alternative - hypertrophy sets.

You still do basic compound movement.
After the heavy shit, you do 1 set of 15-20 reps leaving 1-2 reps in the tank.
After this set, you should be pumped and all the working muscles should feel very well worked.
Don't take them to failure, otherwise they will take away from the main work.
If done correctly, they will pack on tons of muscles, much more than fluffy assistance plus they take much less time.
Weight is not important here, go for pump and piston-like motion

Here is an example from my training, about mid-cycle:

Monday

sumo deadlift: 5 sets of 4 with 70-75%
floor press: 3 sets of 8 plus one set of 15-20 reps close grip, tris should be fried at this point
seated DB presses: 3 sets of 12


Wednesday

front squats: 3 heavy sets of 6 followed by one set 12-15 reps
military press: 3 sets of 8 and 1 set of 20
T-bar rows: 3 sets of 8


Friday

squat: 5 sets of 4 with 70-75%
bench press: 5 sets of 4 with 70-75%
romanian DL: 3 heavy sets of 6 or 2 hypertrophy sets of 20




Good luck !