Do you Periodize or just train as heavy as you can?

[Curious George]

For the last 10 years I had trained in a basic way. I did the basic lifts, squats, deads, inclines, military presses...etc. I tried to always up the reps or the weight in each exercise. I came to a dramatic halt in my progression of training.

I hit upon the WSB a year ago and that dramatically affected my training. I learned more about fixing my weak links and started to learn how to periodize my training. It has helped me to gain again...(I am a bodybuilder and not a powerlifter).

My question: How many of you just train balls out on basics and how many of you periodize your training?

Take Good Care,

Cg

[lunchbox01]

I am having a hard time with the periodization training too. I like to train and train heavy. I know you do as well and this periodization stuff is killing you as much as it is killing me. I almost feel like I am wasting my time in the gym since I started this.

[Curious George]

Most studies I have read state that you must stay in the 60-85 percent range in order to build size. I assume this would also mean compensatory acceleration, would would still only allow for an average of 10 reps or so. I have to figure this stuff out.

Take Good Care,

Cg

[archive_Iron God]

I alternate I do WSB training for one lift for 8 weeks. And everything else bodybuilding style using 65-80% of my max for a higher rep range.

This way I can focus on strength and getting my lifts heavier, but also incorperating the new strength onto my bodybuilder rep range. That way I never get stale.

8 weeks WSB bench
1 week off
8 Weeks WSB squat
1 week off
8 Weeks WSB deads
2 weeks off
Repeat

[Curious George]

IG,

A couple of questions: When you are training for the 8 weeks on a particular lift such as bench, do you have a max effort monday and a dynamic effort Wednesday? Do you use the arch in your back and bench in close or do you do bodybuilding style? Do you train your chest normally during both Max and dynamic days?

Another question, do you do the box squats and also train legs normally? This is really appealing for me as I would like to get my lifts up more but I could not come up with a hybrid. Any more info in your training would really help me. Thanks a lot. Keep up the good work with FC and Bjaarki.

Take Good Care,

Cg

[EngiCream]

Well, since I'm still new (relative to you) to lifting, I've been doing just what you said. Training basic moves and making sure that I always move up in weight or reps.

I've been doing this since January and I finally feel like I'm training right. I finally look forward with anticipation to when I can workout next. All my lifts keep going up and I'm stronger than I have ever been with all my lifts. As of right now, I have to say my favorite exercise is the deadlift.

I'll email you CG to see about training together one of these days. From reading all your posts it sounds like I could learn a thing or two from you http://anabolicfitness.infopop.net/infopop/emoticons/icon_razz.gif

[archive_Slo Mo]

I've pretty much been training in the same way also. CG is on of the smartest people I know. He taught me damn near everything I know about training, nutrition, etc...

I was a guinea pig of his for a while...
He'd shove a handfull of things at me and say, "hey, try this"

[archive_Iron God]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="**-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Curious George:
IG,

A couple of questions: When you are training for the 8 weeks on a particular lift such as bench, do you have a max effort monday and a dynamic effort Wednesday? Do you use the arch in your back and bench in close or do you do bodybuilding style? Do you train your chest normally during both Max and dynamic days?

Another question, do you do the box squats and also train legs normally? This is really appealing for me as I would like to get my lifts up more but I could not come up with a hybrid. Any more info in your training would really help me. Thanks a lot. Keep up the good work with FC and Bjaarki.

Take Good Care,

Cg<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

When I say "WSB" I only use their style training and form not there exact regimen , so bands, chains, boards, partials benchs are part of the program but not the other exercises and only once per week, I suppose I would get my better results if I just did a pure powerlifting routine, but I find this hybrid works great for me.

My squat routine would consist 20 minutes of stretching then 8 working sets of squats (sometimes with bands) (with a suit) than 5 sets of box raw. Then 3 sets extension and 3 sets leg bicep.
\
You will make great gains off a powerlifting cycle especially because your body is not used to it, FC added 1.5 inches to her thighs (they almost measure 27 inches) in 8 weeks

[archive_Mr. Nobody]

After 20 years of working out it has become very difficlut for me to make appreciable strength gains w/o super supps, but I still manage.
I change routines and emphasis every 12 weeks or so. I also incorporate pure power lifting routines (when I work out with my good powerlift friend).
I do GVT when the time feels right
Lately I am emphazising speed and explosiveness for bench and tris, high reps for legs (30 rep squats and leg press), heavy weights for bis and back
Basically, when something gets stale or I hit a plateu I switch gears....the secret for me is to focus on different lifts and rep ranges and improve, then move on to other areas...I am always on the look out for new exercises (hint: read old magazines and hang out with olympic or power lifters) and dont have a favorite body part.

Sounds awefully confusing but it keeps me coming back.

Disclaimer:
Mr. Nobody is presenting fictitious opinions and does in no way, shape or form encourage, use nor condone the use of any illegal substances or the use of legal substances in an illegal manner.
The information discussed is strictly for entertainment purposes only and shall not take the place of qualified medical advice.

[Cornellius]

our body, wherever you like it or not, has natural cycles.
We all periodize our training, the diference is that some people do it without realizeing it.
It´s normal to feel weak, or sick.....that afects your training. It´s an order your body is giving you to take it easier.

______________________________
Yes, I know that my spelling sucks...

[meathead278]

I train heavy when my body tells me too. With the messed up hours and long shifts that i work somedays i feel like i am lifting for the first time ever. But when i'm well rested i go balls out. I listen to what my body tells me, it knows best.
Meathead278

"I fight what you fear".

use instictthat will tell when to go for it