Optimized Volume Training - Has anyone done this program

[Sylva]

I'm not sure if T-Nation is taboo here or not. But I enjoy some of the articles.

Has anyone tried the Optimized Volume Training Program by Christian Thibaudeau

TESTOSTERONE NATION - Optimized Volume Training (http://www.t-nation.com/readArticle.do?id=459276)

If you have or know anyone that has, what were your thoughts on the program and how it worked for you. Did you make good gains in size while on the program ect.

[BiggT]

I never tried it, but I'll add my 2 cents for what it's worth.

T Nation isn't taboo, this is a pretty chill place. T Nation has some good stuff and some good authors/sources, but my issue with them is they try too hard to keep things "cutting edge" when, honestly, the same old shit that has been working for 30 years is gonna still work better than anything else. Unlike most any other endeavor, lifting weights and "cutting edge" don't go well together. Sometimes, with T Nation, if you can solve a problem with 8th grade algebra, they'll apply calculus III.

As far as that program, it's a fairly typical 4 day split. A little bit too much fluff for my liking, but certainly not bad at all. I probably wouldn't have a dedicated "arm day" but that is just me. I don't buy into tempo much either, just lift the weight and control it and don't be a sloppy bastard, and you'll progress, ya know?

For what it's worth, the guy in the pics transformed his physique because he adjusted his diet, not because he did that training routine. If you run that routine consistently and correctly, you'll make progress (just like with any other well-thought out routine). As far as how you'll look, it's just a numbers game man. Calories in v. calories out.

[Sylva]

I never tried it, but I'll add my 2 cents for what it's worth.

T Nation isn't taboo, this is a pretty chill place. T Nation has some good stuff and some good authors/sources, but my issue with them is they try too hard to keep things "cutting edge" when, honestly, the same old shit that has been working for 30 years is gonna still work better than anything else. Unlike most any other endeavor, lifting weights and "cutting edge" don't go well together. Sometimes, with T Nation, if you can solve a problem with 8th grade algebra, they'll apply calculus III.

As far as that program, it's a fairly typical 4 day split. A little bit too much fluff for my liking, but certainly not bad at all. I probably wouldn't have a dedicated "arm day" but that is just me. I don't buy into tempo much either, just lift the weight and control it and don't be a sloppy bastard, and you'll progress, ya know?

For what it's worth, the guy in the pics transformed his physique because he adjusted his diet, not because he did that training routine. If you run that routine consistently and correctly, you'll make progress (just like with any other well-thought out routine). As far as how you'll look, it's just a numbers game man. Calories in v. calories out.

Sounds good, I appreciate the response. My diet is pretty on point and has been for quite some time. I'm just actually changing to getting/staying lean to trying to add soem quality mass to my frame. I'm going to give this a 8-10 week run and see what happens.

[jpt]

i'm sorry, but i don't believe that guy made those changes in only 14 weeks.....

[A L]

i'm sorry, but i don't believe that guy made those changes in only 14 weeks.....

He was probably using hydroxycut...... :nod:

14 weeks is a long time, and if he had a high level of conditioning in the past I think he could get "back" to tht level in 14 weeks.

If he had never been that lean before than I doubt it.

Drugs always help.

[Evidence]

I never tried it, but I'll add my 2 cents for what it's worth.

T Nation isn't taboo, this is a pretty chill place. T Nation has some good stuff and some good authors/sources, but my issue with them is they try too hard to keep things "cutting edge" when, honestly, the same old shit that has been working for 30 years is gonna still work better than anything else. Unlike most any other endeavor, lifting weights and "cutting edge" don't go well together. Sometimes, with T Nation, if you can solve a problem with 8th grade algebra, they'll apply calculus III.

As far as that program, it's a fairly typical 4 day split. A little bit too much fluff for my liking, but certainly not bad at all. I probably wouldn't have a dedicated "arm day" but that is just me. I don't buy into tempo much either, just lift the weight and control it and don't be a sloppy bastard, and you'll progress, ya know?

For what it's worth, the guy in the pics transformed his physique because he adjusted his diet, not because he did that training routine. If you run that routine consistently and correctly, you'll make progress (just like with any other well-thought out routine). As far as how you'll look, it's just a numbers game man. Calories in v. calories out.


T, very well said and I would have to completly agree with that on many points. I read at one time Buddy Morris saying the following from Elite...."I'm so tired of these functional strength gurus. We've lost site of, hey it's a bar, it's round, let's get our butts under it and move it!"

Simplicity can be the most effective things in our lives.

[Sylva]

After going to the gym and doing my leg workout last night. I'm going to have to rethink if this program a bit I think. I like the overall program and would love to stick with it. But I think it's very impractical.

I think you could do this program no problem if you went to the gym when it was dead. However, that is not an option for me, I go at ~4pm everyday. There NO way for me to SS all these exercises and not have someone use one of the pieces of equipment in the SS while I"m on the other or just generally be hogging two pices of equipment for quite some time. Neither of which are going to work from anyones perspective.

Lastly, I agree about the over complicating things part you guys are talking about. That seems to be what I"m doing. I just need to get in there and lift heavy for as many reps as I can do. Just get in there and move some major weight. I had a program that I loved that I was doing before, I think for me and for all practicality thats what I'm going to continue doing.

[BiggT]

After going to the gym and doing my leg workout last night. I'm going to have to rethink if this program a bit I think. I like the overall program and would love to stick with it. But I think it's very impractical.

I think you could do this program no problem if you went to the gym when it was dead. However, that is not an option for me, I go at ~4pm everyday. There NO way for me to SS all these exercises and not have someone use one of the pieces of equipment in the SS while I"m on the other or just generally be hogging two pices of equipment for quite some time. Neither of which are going to work from anyones perspective.

Lastly, I agree about the over complicating things part you guys are talking about. That seems to be what I"m doing. I just need to get in there and lift heavy for as many reps as I can do. Just get in there and move some major weight. I had a program that I loved that I was doing before, I think for me and for all practicality thats what I'm going to continue doing.

That's what I'm saying. Looking at your avatar, you obviously know how to get big and strong, you also know how to get lean. There is nothing wrong with expanding your knowledge and taking away new ideas, but as far as the 95% chunk of this game, I think you've got it down with whatever you've been doing.

[GTLifter]

you obviously know how to get big and strong

Sylva is like 180lbs at 6'ish. Lean as shit and knows a lot about BJJ but I wouldn't call him "big and strong."

[Evidence]

Sylva is like 180lbs at 6'ish. Lean as shit and knows a lot about BJJ but I wouldn't call him "big and strong."

Come on man that's a little unneccessary. What is that going to accomplish? Why can't someone get a compliment without a someone trolling saying no, you're not big and strong. Sylva you look great man, looking lean, big and strong. Keep up the great work!

[GTLifter]

Why can't someone get a compliment without a someone trolling saying no, you're not big and strong.

why should someones ego be inflated?

Sylva is realy lean, dry and knows a lot about BJJ. Those are his strongpoints, being "big" is not. Sylva also seems like a nice guy and doesn't post bullshit.

[Sylva]

Come on man that's a little unneccessary. What is that going to accomplish? Why can't someone get a compliment without a someone trolling saying no, you're not big and strong. Sylva you look great man, looking lean, big and strong. Keep up the great work!


I appreciate the compliments for sure Bro, thanks.

But honestly, GT is right. I don't think he's dogging me at all, he's just being honest. Compared to most on this board I'm not "big and strong". I'm working every day on getting bigger and stronger but I'm not at that point yet imo or to this crowd, for the most part.

To much of the general uninformed public I'm sure I could be considered that but then again 2/3 of the US is over weight so I'll take that w/ a grain of salt.

Again, thanks for the complments and honesty guys. I appreciate it all. This is by far the best forum I'm on as far as health, strength and fitness goes.

Like my I said a few post ago, I think this program could work and work well. However, it's just impractical for me to impliment at my current gym at the time I have available to train. I need to worry less about routines like this and just get in there and try to move some major weight.

[GTLifter]

But honestly, GT is right. I don't think he's dogging me at all, he's just being honest. Compared to most on this board I'm not "big and strong". I'm working every day on getting bigger and stronger but I'm not at that point yet imo or to this crowd, for the most part.


Not dogging you at all bro, you look great but some more mass never hurt anyone. I don't understand or support pointless nutswinging, I don't want to be told I'm strong or look great if I am not those things.






The Iron never lies to you. You can walk outside and listen to all kinds of talk, get told that you're a god or a total bastard. The Iron will always kick you the real deal.

[JayC]

Sylva.. have you tried or read through the 5x5 routine?? or a variation of it.. lots those floating around as well :) I loved it and have run it more then once and will eventually run it again. Worked great for me when lean (clean) bulking..

[BiggT]

GT, relax brother, lol. I didn't tell the guy that he has now surpassed Kaz and is now the strongest, most muscular human who has ever breathed Earth's air!

Not much to say other than there does exist lots of different standards for big and strong for lots of different weight classes in lots of different sports. World-class powerlifting in the SHW class isn't the measuring stick for big and strong in all other sports.
I'm not gonna derail the thread anymore than it has already been derailed. If giving props to someone who has worked hard and made lots of progress is "pointless nutswinging", then I'm guilty as charged. If it's also posting bullshit, then file both charges and let the judge sort it out!

Sylva, good luck with the training, bro. Keep working hard, you clearly know how to progress and make gains.

[JayC]

No problem with "nutswinging" here.. please visit my log and feel free to swing!! ;)

[matt1990]

I think thats what AlphaGeeK is doing dude? Maybe ask him bro.

Matt~

[matt1990]

Also, his transformation pic looks like Vin Diesal.

Matt~