Many people ask me for advice on which training program they should start training with. After all, there is a lot of information on every training method out there. Metal Militia, Westside, 2x2, 3x3, hybrid routines are all examples of the routines that can clutter and overwhelm a beginner that just simply wants to get going on their path to superhuman strength.
What I advise is using the basics. Even the most hardcore training methods revolve around simple principles, the main one being; lift heavier weights, get stronger. Obviously that is very vague so let me explain. When you look at a well designed program, you make advances every microcycle (usually every 1-2 weeks.) This is done by either adding weight or reps to the work set(s) that you did the week or two before.
I am astounded by the number of people that are looking for a magical number of sets or reps. I inform these people that there is no magic number, but that there is, however, a magic attitude. If you go balls to the wall mentally, and you do everything humanly possible to make gains, you will succeed. This is true for not only powerlifting or bodybuilding, but any sport or business or activity where you either make it or you don't.
The best examples I can think of when talking about basic principles are Ryan Kennelly and Scot Mendelson. If you think these crazy-strong guys do anything special training-wise, you're sadly mistaken. While they do have their tips that they would tell you if they were training you, they are nothing that would improve long term gains.
Low sets and low reps and not very much assistance work is normal with top-notch pro powerlifters. I do not know of one pro that does anything crazy and profound. They all use old methods and ideas, and they have a top notch winning attitude and the drive to succeed. This is what makes champions. I cannot emphasize this enough. Dedication equals success. If you like to half-ass things, powerlifting is neither the sport nor the lifestyle for you.
I advocate a 5x5 routine for the beginner. If one were to jump into Westside, for example, they would be performing partial lifts and dynamic lifts with no idea what proper form is. If one tried to jump into Metal Militia with no prior training, they would end up with horrible joint pains and tendonitis. Probably a torn pec or rotator cuff as well simply because there are many bits and pieces of technique of the powerlifts to learn.
Instead of doing something foolish like jumping into a high-volume, high intensity routine that can lead to injury and wasting your time, learn the core lifts first. Work hard and practice, practice, practice.
5X5 Program
Below is the 5x5 program. This is what I advise for beginners as far as
their training routine goes.
Monday
Squats: 5 sets of 5 with the same weight. Start with a moderate
weigth and add 5-10 pounds every week.
Front squats or leg extensions: 3 sets of 8-10. Add 5-10 pounds
every week for all sets.
Glute/Ham raises: 3 sets of 8-10. If you can not do 8 reps, do as
many full reps as you can then do partials to finish.
Calves: 3-4 sets to failure. Use slow reps. Add 5 pounds per week
for all sets.
Click here for printable workout log!
Wednesday
Bench Press: 5 sets of 5 with the same weight. Start with a
moderate weigth and add 5-10 pounds every week.
Flat Dumbbell Bench Press: 2 sets of 8-10. Try to increase the
weight as often as possible. It is harder with dumbbells.
Close Grip Bench press: 3 sets of 5. This is a core lift. Add
5-10 pounds every week.
Tricep Pushdowns: 2 sets of 10. Add weight every week. When you
can do the stack for every set do weighted dips.
Click here for printable workout log!
Friday
Deadlifts: 5 sets of 5 with the same weight. Start with a moderate
weigth and add 5-10 pounds every week.
Barbell Rows: 3 sets of 6-8 reps. Try to add weight every week
though it wont always be possible. Strive to make personal records.
Reverse hyperextensions/hyperextensions: 3 sets of 10-15 reps.
These are for rehab and preventitive strengthening of the lower back (use a lighter weight for this exercise).
Barbell Curls: 5 sets of 5 reps. Start with a moderate weigth and
add 5 pounds every week.
Click here for printable workout log!
This routine is very simple. It is intended to be that way. You will understand and learn basic form of the main three power lifts and your Central Nervous System will be used to firing and moving weights in the ranges of motion specific to the core lifts. This will allow you to be familiar enough with each lift to understand and possibly implicate the use of partial movements to your training routine, which is what makes Westside and Metal Militia work.
By using this routine you will also gain some hypertrophy because there are no sets in which you do triples or singles (sets of 3 or 1 reps, respectively). This will also not cause joint pain or tendonitis unless you're doing something horribly wrong.
I hope this article has been of assistance to you. If you have/want articles on the topic of strength or powerlifting e-mail me with your requests.
Thanks,
Bodybuilding.com Writer
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