Program looks complex by any standard-what do you think? Not quite sure what he meant by 'stimulation' method. Probably a sort of spike for the training-something different? I think block periodization will probably replace Westside as the most popular training style in powerlifting. I think Landon Evans from Elitefts is using this with Jeremy Frey.
Thanks for posting that! Lots of good information there!
There is a lot that can be learned from this link and I think everyone would do well to look it over. I think you'r on the right track about Block Periodization overtaking Westside in fairly short order. Here's what I think will happen... Someone will think that they're doing everyone a favor by dumbing it down and writing out a "12 week Block Periodization scheme". It will also have a cool, hardcore name. Then, that will be what people think of when you say, "I'm using a block periodization setup." Just like if you say, "I'm using a conjugate periodization setup," people automatically think "Westside." Why do I think that will happen? Because it sure seems like the majority of lifters 1) think they can figure it out themselves and 2) are not willing to put the time into it to actually learn it well, so they are easily seduced by "sexy" cookie-cutter templates. #1 is not a problem without #2 and vice versa. It's only when you have both issues that you're in for a rough ride.
Back to the link... I like the overall structure and the thought process, but I sure hope that people have mind enough to modify this as they go. Here's some "traps" that average joe might not think of when he first tries this system... Can you do 10 reps with 80% of your 1RM? I can get 5. That's not even close to 10 2-3 series with 2-3 sets each series... so between 4 and 9 total sets. That's a big range. Not a problem at this level of planning, but how will people determine where in this range they should actually be working?
And actually, those are most of my issues. Verkoshansky's programming is all like this -- IMO unreal expectations of the athlete. But maybe I'm just not well conditioned. I guess that's possible, but I don't feel it's likely. I have no explaination for how a coach can expect repeat triples at 90% (which will be a max-effort lift anyway, resulting in fatigue afterwards) with minimal rest periods. Just doesn't jive with me.
But I'll say again, the overall construct DOES look very good and is interesting. I just think it looks better on paper than it will pan out in real life. It reminds me of the Smolov squat program where by week 3, you are doing repeat triples with 100% of your max....
I have to agree with you Mike-I would burn out on something like that. That was one reason I didnt try Smolov-you put in 3-4 weeks & put huge expectations and there is a great chance of mental & physical burnout.
I don't know if you are implying that I utilize this "program" with Jeremy. His program is far from that. In my opinion, the explosive strength block is not needed for the powerlifter athlete.
Effort is key, not the actual speed of the bar (in powerlifting).
Secondly, pushing up to near 90% loads in an accumulation block is not needed. The idea in an accumulation block for SPORTS is different than for powerlifting. The transmutation and realization blocks are for the concentration loads directed towards the competitive lifts with higher intensities and higher volumes, with lower volumes during the realization block.
I can appreciate the hard work that went into that design, but I believe there are smarter and less stressful approaches.
"Training is efficient if the highest sports result is achieved with the least expense of time and energy" - Thomas Kurz
Good to see you here. I asked a question on elitefts but I should have clarified that you were using block periodization and not that particular program. The way it came out in the post implied you were using something similar to that.