Reactive Training Systems

Below, I pasted an email conversation I had with someone about RTS.  Hopefully you can get something out of it.

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Hey Mike,
I am a powerlifter from ____ in the 275lb class.
I am currently training using sheiko type training program.

I have seen people post about a training system that you have
"invented"...the reactive system.
I have not been able to find out much about it.

Are there articles you have written about it?
What does it entail?
Do many people use it.

Thanks Mike,
I hope to hear back from you

D
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Hi D!
 
Yes I train using what we have dubbed the Reactive Training System.  It's a system of organizing training that helps people learn to listen to their body and customize their program to fit their own individual needs.  I am in the process of writing a manual about it.  It's about 90% done right now.  There's not many others that use it because there's not that much info publicly available on it.  I hope to put my manual out there soon -- maybe in a month.
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If you don't mind me asking, how did you train before you started using this method?
 
Thanks Mike, you are an inspiration!!!
 
Hope to see you on the platform one day.
 
Thanks again
D
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My background is more in Westside type stuff, but oddly enough, as I process through RTS, I'm becoming more like some of the Sheiko programs.  That's just me though and other people can and have been entirely different.
 
Sorry about not answering your question on the board.  I hadn't checked it in days, so thanks for alerting me to that fact.
 
Also, as you read through the manual, I'm sure you'll have questions.  Feel free to post them on the board or email me, whichever you prefer.  Also, feel free to start a training log if you want.
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Hey Mike,
A question. On your youtube videos...90% of the squat videos are "cut a bit high" but you seem to have no trouble passing in competition.
Do you start hitting deeper depth before a meet? or do you find it easier in a suit to get that strength out of the hole?
The thing I dont understand is...if you keep on missing depth, how are you going to work the strength needed in that range.
 
What suit do you wear? A super NXG+ centurion...or is is just the old NXG+???
 
Dean
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You're right.  Most of my training squats are missing a little depth.  For me, it doesn't seem to matter too much in a meet.  I attribute that to some degree to my raw strength, but at the same time I know that if I could consistently get them in the legal range, it would be better.  That's just a bad habit of mine that I find I have a hard time breaking.  I have a few of those!
 
I wear a custom fit Super NXG + centrurion and I think it pretty much kicks ass!
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Thanks very much Mike,
I think I am going to start training using this method.  My only concern is my base level of strength.
Raw I am good for, 250kg squat, 130kg bench 250kg dead and a body weight of 125kgs.
Are these numbers too low to start using this method?
Do I need to take anything into consideration when at this strength level?
 
At this level of strength do I vary the reps and sets in the volume/intensity blocks, or do I keep them the same each week?
 
I will have to keep a log.
 
I Know what exercises I need for deadlifts and bench...but I am unsure for my raw squat.
Do you find raw box squats help? do you get good carry over from them? I am weak out of the hole, so I'm helping these will help
 
Ill finish reading the manual...and then read everyone's logs in the next 3 weeks.
Then its on!!!
 
Do you have a team of guys that do well with type of training, or are you just a freak?
 
Thanks for all your help.
Dean Redzic
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No.  Those strength levels are not too low.  It really depends on where you consider yourself with regard to your experience and potential.  RTS was originally designed to help intermediate lifters become advanced, but that's not to say it can't be successful with beginners or advanced lifters (as it has been for me).
 
Yes, vary the sets and reps in the respective blocks.  The main variation that I would suggest for you is to choose brutally simple exercises (squat, bench, deadlift, and some slight variations) and stick to those movements for long periods of time (3-4 months or so).  As far as what to pick for squats... first I'd suggest simple squats, then I'd suggest squats with a small amount of chain.  I'd opt for pause squats over box squats.
 
And while I do recognize that I'm probably a freak, I have several guys who train using this system that all experience good results (including an American Bench Record holder).  The cool thing about this system is that it's not locked down into a particular brand of training.  It's a grouping of principles that allow a ton of individual variation -- which is the point.  By all means check out the training logs!
 
Also, would you mind if I posted this on my forum?  I think others could benefit from it.