Convergent Phase Training
One of my central operating paradigms is the realization that all methods, devices, philosophies and techniques involved in strength training have specific benefits and drawbacks. If your training lacks sufficient diversity, you'll accumulate the drawbacks and habituate to the benefits. And that ain't good.
Interestingly enough, however, even the concept of training diversity has its own set of benefits and drawbacks! For example, for strength athletes, insufficient continuity will negatively impact strength gains, since every time you rotate your exercise menu you have to expend a lot of energy readjusting to the new exercises.
There's a way to reap the benefits of a diverse training strategy without accumulating its drawbacks. It's called convergent phase training (CPT) and here's how it works. Training frequency is three times per microcycle. In the examples I provide in this article, a microcycle is one week; however, it could be as little as six days or as long as twelve days, depending on your particular needs. For example, in-season athletes may benefit from a longer cycle. Each workout consists of a "core" exercise and a circuit. You'll use three core exercises and two circuits.
Core Exercise Selection
The core exercises are selected on the basis of dynamic correspondence. This is similar to the concept of specificity; however, an exercise which dynamically corresponds to your sport skill may not outwardly appear similar to the event! For example, punching with dumbbells in the hands appears to be very similar to the punching done in the boxing ring, at least at first glance. However, it has a low degree of dynamic correspondence.
There are several reasons for this. In order to develop the pecs, delts, and triceps, you need to be in a supine (lying) position so that the targeted muscle fibers are fighting against gravity during the movement. Also, the additional load imposed by the dumbbells requires excessive contribution from the antagonists in order to maintain joint integrity. Lastly, the dumbbells will be too light to develop strength and too heavy to develop speed. A better choice for boxers would be the bench press, with weights that range between 55 and 85 percent of maximum. This exercise properly conditions the muscles which contribute to the boxing punch, although it doesn't appear specific to the skill in question.
The core exercises in the program provided may or may not have a high degree of dynamic correspondence to your sport skills. They are provided for the purpose of illustration only. If you're a bodybuilder not engaged in any other sport, select three multi-joint exercises which represent a large percentage of the body's total muscle mass with minimal redundancy. One example might be the squat, pull-up and bench press. Another might be the deadlift, dips, and rows.
Constructing the Circuits
Each circuit represents half of the body's muscles. I designate muscle groups into the following 2 circuits:
Circuit A
1) Hamstrings
2) Lats/Traps/Rear Delts
3) Triceps
4) Gastrocs
5) Rectus Abdominus/Trunk-Hip Flexion
6) Grip Strength (Wrist and/or finger flexion emphasis)
Circuit B
1) Quads
2) Pecs/Front Delts
3) Biceps/Brachialis/Brachioradialis
4) Soleus
5) Obliques/Flexion-Rotation exercises
6) Grip Strength (wrist and/or finger extension emphasis)
Use the same circuits for four microcycles (one month for the example provided) and then change them for each successive month. When choosing circuit exercises for the next month's circuits, base your choices on eliminating weaknesses. For example, if your squats seem to be limited by poor low back strength, choose exercises, training methods, and loading parameters that will be instrumental in addressing these weak links.
Although I've relied mostly on straight sets for the circuits presented here, there's no reason why you can't employ drop-sets, eccentric training, Tellekinetics, plyometrics, or whatever else you find to be effective. Be creative!
Converging Phases
The name "convergent phase training" refers to the fact that there are two separate rhythms (or phases) that converge on regular intervals, in this case, every two weeks. Here's a skeleton outline of the first two microcycles for the example I've provided:
| Day | Core Exercise | Circuit |
| Week One | ||
| Monday | Clean | A |
| Wednesday | Bench | B |
| Friday | Squat | A |
| Week Two | ||
| Monday | Clean | B |
| Wednesday | Bench | A |
| Friday | Squat | B |
As you can see, when using CPT, you train two weeks at a time without ever repeating the same workout. Yet at the same time, there's a significant amount of continuity. It's the best of both worlds.
Another interesting aspect of CPT is the unique rhythm that takes place. Muscles used in the three core lifts are trained one time one week, and then three times the next week. For example, in week one of this sample workout, the pecs are trained on Wednesday and in week two the pecs are trained on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. All other muscles are trained twice one week, and once the next week. This represents shock followed by recovery, the way God intended it to be!
Before You Start the Program
Before starting, conservatively estimate one rep maximums (1RM) for your three core lifts. You'll be working off percentages of maximum with the core lifts in this program so you'll know this info.
Assign exercises for each muscle group in each circuit. When choosing circuit exercises for muscles which are also used in the "core" exercises, try to avoid redundancy. For example, if you use the bench press as a core exercise, don't choose a Smith machine bench for the circuits. Use an exercise that's significantly different in as many ways as possible. Some choices for this example might include dips, dumbbell flyes, cable crossovers, or incline dumbbell presses.
Don't work particularly hard on the first week with regard to the circuits. The perceived intensity of the first week should be about 70 to 75 percent of maximum in terms of overall stress and energy expenditure.
Progression, volume control, and testing: On week two, tweak your weights, sets, and reps (on the circuits only) so that your total training volume increases by 10%. Generally, the easiest way to do this is to leave the weight the same and simply add one rep per set on each exercise of the circuits. Then increase volume by another 10% on week three. On week four the volume should be 50% of week three for your circuit exercises. This one week reduction of volume is intended to facilitate a more complete recovery and give you a physiological jump start for the next mesocycle.
You'll do performance testing every fourth microcycle as well. This involves working up to your one rep max for all three core lifts and then dropping back to 80% of that number for one all-out set. This will provide an additional hypertrophy stimulus and also provide feedback on training-induced fiber conversion (i.e. the less reps you can do at 80% of 1RM, the more your transitional fibers are converting to the fast end of the spectrum).
A Sample Program
Here's a sample CPT program to get you started. If any of the exercises are unfamiliar, seem inappropriate to you for any reason, or you simply don't have the right equipment, go ahead and make the appropriate substitutions. I'm suggesting four to five sets of five to six reps on the circuit exercises. However, if higher or lower reps are better suited for your needs, go ahead and tweak it. In other words, the principles involved are more important than the details.
Also, the circuits are meant to be done as conventional circuits. In otherwords, you're going to do one exercise after another (1-6), taking as much rest as is absolutely necessary. You'll then repeat the circuit for the prescribed number of times.
The core exercises should be completed in 15 minutes or less. The circuit itself should be completed in about 45 minutes or less. Most athletes will intuitively rest less between early sets and more between later sets, as fatigue accumulates.
Note: I'm presenting the program using layouts from my Training-Nutrition Manager tracking software (available at http://www.myodynamics.com), so that you can see how I'm tracking and progressing the training volumes.
Also, although the following sample program seems to repeat itself a lot, I want you to see an entire program and get a feel for the big picture. Note the changes in each step. Remember, this is a three month sample program.
Month One / Week One
Monday
A1) Hang Clean: 5 sets of 4 reps (5 x 4) at 80% of 1RM
This is just a clean that starts from just above knee level rather than from the floor.
A2) Circuit A: 4-5 sets of 4 reps per exercise
1) Hamstrings: Glute-Ham-Gastroc Raise
This is just another term for glute-ham machine raises or a "reverse hyper". If you don't have a glute-ham machine, you can lie facedown on a high bench with your legs hanging off the end. Then simply extend the legs. The only problem with this method is adding weight.
2) Lats: Chin-Up
3)Triceps: Lying EZ Bar Triceps Extension (skull crushers)
4) Gastrocs: Jumps in Place: 4 reps with dumbbells, then 4 reps with bodyweight only
This exercise resembles jumping rope, minus the rope. The objective is to bounce like a ball without resetting between reps. Seek a feeling of "hanging" in the air on each rep.
5) Rectus Abdominus: Hanging Pikes: hanging from a chin bar, flex at hips and trunk until shins touch bar
6) Grip Strength: Straight Bar Reverse Curl
This is just a straight bar curl, except you keep both hands facing down during the movement.
Wednesday
B1) Bench Press: 5 x 4 at 80% 1RM
B2) Circuit B: 4-5 sets of 4 reps per exercise
1) Quads: Decline Step-Up (right leg)
This is like a traditional step-up on a box or step, except the step isn't flat; it's declined, or slanted away from you. In other words, it's slanted so your toe is about two or three inches lower than your heel. This can also be done in a hack squat machine. If you use this option, you'll have to stand backwards in the machine.
2) Quads: Decline Step-Up (left leg)
3) Pecs: Incline Dumbbell Press
4) Biceps: Dumbbell Preacher Curl
5) Soleus: Seated Calf Raise
6) Obliques: Russian Twist
Start sitting on the floor with hips and knees flexed to approximately 90 degree angles. Grasp a medicine ball or small dumbbell and swing it to the right and left as you keep the hips from rotating with the shoulders. The arms aren't perpendicular to the torso, but instead, kept low, near the thighs, as the medicine ball is swung to each side.
7) Grip Strength: Dumbbell Hammer Curl
A hammer curl is like a regular curl except you hold the dumbbell as you would a hammer i.e. with the palm facing in instead of up.
Friday
A1) Half-Squat (slightly above parallel): 3 x 2 at 90% 1RM
A2) Circuit A: 4-5 sets of 4 reps per exercise
1) Hamstrings: Glute-Ham-Gastroc Raise
2) Lats: Chin-Up
3) Triceps: Lying EZ Bar Triceps Extension
4) Gastrocs: Jumps in Place4 reps with dumbbells, then 4 reps with bodyweight only
5) Rectus Abdominus: Hanging Pikes
6) Grip Strength: Straight Bar Reverse Curl
Month One / Week Two
Monday
B1) Hang Clean: 4 x 3 at 85% 1RM
B2) Circuit B: 4-5 sets of 5 reps per exercise
1) Quads: Decline Step-Up (right)
2) Quads: Decline Step-Up (left)
3) Pecs: Incline Dumbbell Press
4) Biceps: Dumbbell Preacher Curl
5) Soleus: Seated Calf Raise
6) Obliques: Russian Twist
7) Grip Strength: Dumbbell Hammer Curl
Wednesday
A1) Bench Press: 4 x 3 at 85% 1RM
A2) Circuit A: 4-5 sets of 5 reps per exercise
1) Hamstrings: Glute-Ham-Gastroc Raise
2) Lats: Chin-Up
3) Triceps: Lying EZ Bar Triceps Extension
4) Gastrocs: Jumps in Place
5 reps with dumbbells, then 5 reps with bodyweight only
5) Rectus Abdominus: Hanging Pikes
6) Grip Strength: Straight Bar Reverse Curl
Friday
B1) Half-Squat (slightly above parallel): 4 x 3 at 85% 1RM
B2) Circuit B: 4-5 sets of 5 reps per exercise
1) Quads: Decline Step-Up (right)
2) Quads: Decline Step-Up (left)
3) Pecs: Incline Dumbbell Press
4) Biceps: Dumbbell Preacher Curl
5) Soleus: Seated Calf Raise
6) Obliques: Russian Twist
7) Grip Strength: Dumbbell Hammer Curl
Month One / Week Three
Monday
A1) Hang Clean: 3 x 2 at 90% 1RM
A2) Circuit A: 4-5 sets of 6 reps per exercise
1) Hamstrings: Glute-ham-gastroc raise
2) Lats: Chin-Up
3) Triceps: Lying EZ Bar Triceps Extension
4) Gastrocs: Jumps in Place
6 reps with dumbbells, then 6 reps with bodyweight only
5) Rectus Abdominus: Hanging Pikes
6) Grip Strength: Straight Bar Reverse Curl
Wednesday
B1) Bench Press: : 3 x 2 at 90% 1RM
B2) Circuit B: 4-5 sets of 6 reps per exercise
1) Quads: Decline Step-Up (Right)
2) Quads: Decline Step-Up (Left)
3) Pecs: Incline Dumbbell Press
4) Biceps: Dumbbell Preacher Curl
5) Soleus: Seated Calf Raise
6) Obliques: Russian Twist
7) Grip Strength: Dumbbell Hammer Curl
Friday
A1) Half-Squat (slightly above parallel): 3 x 2 at 90% 1RM
A2) Circuit A: 4-5 sets of 6 reps per exercise
1) Hamstrings: Glute-ham-gastroc raise
2) Lats: Chin-Up
3) Triceps: Lying EZ Bar Triceps Extension
4) Gastrocs: Jumps in Place
6 reps with dumbbells, then 6 reps with bodyweight only
5) Rectus Abdominus: Hanging Pikes
6) Grip Strength: Straight Bar Reverse Curl
Month One / Week Four
Note: Remember, total volume for your circuit exercises should be reduced 50% from last week. You'll also be testing your 1RM for your core exercise then repping out with 80% of that new max.
Monday
B1) Hang Clean: 1RM testing, then max reps with 80%
B2) Circuit B: 2-3 sets of 5-6 reps per exercise
1) Quads: Decline Step-Up (right)
2) Quads: Decline Step-Up (left)
3) Pecs: Incline Dumbbell Press
4) Biceps: Dumbbell Preacher Curl
5) Soleus: Seated Calf Raise
6) Obliques: Russian Twist
7) Grip Strength: Dumbbell Hammer Curl
Wednesday
A1) Bench Press: 1RM testing, then max reps with 80%
A2) Circuit A: 2-3 sets of 5-6 reps per exercise
1) Hamstrings: Glute-ham-gastroc raise
2) Lats: Chin-Up
3) Triceps: Lying EZ Bar Triceps Extension
4) Gastrocs: Jumps in Place
3 reps with dumbbells, then 3 reps with bodyweight only
5) Rectus Abdominus: Hanging Pikes
6) Grip Strength: Straight Bar Reverse Curl
Friday
B1) Half-Squat (slightly above parallel)
1RM testing, then max reps with 80%
B2) Circuit B: 2-3 sets of 5-6 reps per exercise
1) Quads: Decline Step-Up (Right)
2) Quads: Decline Step-Up (Left)
3) Pecs: Incline Dumbbell Press
4) Biceps: Dumbbell Preacher Curl
5) Soleus: Seated Calf Raise
6) Obliques: Russian Twist
7) Grip Strength: Dumbbell Hammer Curl
Month Two / Week One
Note:Core exercise percentages are based on new 1RMs achieved last week.
Monday
A1) Hang Clean: 5 x 4 at 80% 1RM
A2) Circuit A: 4-5 sets of 4 reps per exercise
1) Hamstrings: Stiff-leg Deadlift
2) Lats: Chest-supported Seated Row
This can be done with any type of chest-supported seated rowing machine, such as a Hammer machine.
3) Triceps: French Press
Use both hands and a single dumbbell for this exercise. Keep your elbows in a fixed position and lower the dumbbell behind your head.
4) Gastrocs: Leg Press Calf Raise
This is just a calf raise done in a standard leg press machine.
5) Rectus Abdominus: Downward Ball Smash
Here's a great exercise to perform if you've had a bad day at work. Start with the medicine ball overhead, stand with elbows and knees slightly flexed, and up on the toes.
Accelerate the ball downward, attempting to burst the ball against the floor. If the ball has a minimal amount of bounce, you'll be able to catch it and smoothly continue to the next rep in one continuous motion. For greatest force production, there should be little or no
hesitation between raising and smashing the ball downward. The amount of force generated can be roughly gauged by how high the ball bounces off the floor.
6) Grip Strength: Static Bar Holds with Oversized Bar
All you have to do here is stand erect holding an oversized bar in the normal grip position; no alternated grip, hook grip or straps allowed. You can wrap a towel around the bar if you don't have access to fat bars. The goal here is to hold the weighted bar for 20 seconds per set. 1 rep x 20 seconds is a set, so to speak. Once 20 seconds is possible, add weight on the next workout.
Wednesday
B1) Bench Press: 5 x 4 at 80% 1RM
B2) Circuit B: 4-5 sets of 4 reps per exercise)
1) Quads: Front Squat (heels elevated)
2) Pecs: Dips
3) Biceps: Incline Dumbbell Curl
4) Soleus: Donkey Seated Calf Raise
Here's one you don't see everyday. Sit on a bench with your toes on a three inch block under a chinning bar. Your partner stands on your thighs near your knees and grabs the chinning bar for balance. Then you lift and lower your heels. (Just be sure your training partner wears clean underwear and you're both confident about your sexuality.) You can use plates under your toes if you don't have a block.
5) Obliques: Reverse Trunk Twist on Ball
Get a secure hold on the bar of a Smith machine or a heavily loaded barbell in a power rack. At the start, the bar is directly over the shoulders and the apex of the ball is under the low back. Legs are together and straight with hips flexed to 90 degrees.
Keeping your shoulders stabilized, allow your legs to fall to your left until (ideally) they are at the same distance to the floor as your hips. Then return to center and continue down to opposite side. This is one repetition. You can increase resistance by holding a medicine ball between your feet. This exercise may also be performed from the floor.
6) Grip Strength: Preacher Hammer Curl
This is performed just like a normal hammer curl with a dumbbell except you're sitting in a preacher (Scott) bench.
Friday
A1) Half-Squat (slightly above parallel): 5 x 4 at 80% 1RM
A2) Circuit A: 4-5 sets of 4 reps per exercis
1) Hamstrings: Stiff-leg Deadlift
2) Lats: Chest-supported Seated Row
3) Triceps: French Press
4) Gastrocs: Leg Press Calf Raise
5) Rectus Abdominus: Downward Ball Smash
6) Grip Strength: Static Bar Holds with Oversized Bar
Month Two / Week Two
Monday
B1) Hang Clean: 4 x 3 at 85% 1RM
B2) Circuit B: 4-5 sets of 5 reps per exercise
1) Quads: Front Squat (heels elevated)
2) Pecs: Dips
3) Biceps: Incline Dumbbell Curl
4) Soleus: Donkey Seated Calf Raise
5) Obliques: Reverse Trunk Twist on Ball
6) Grip Strength: Preacher Hammer Curl
Wednesday
A1) Bench Press 4 x 3 at 85% 1RM
A2) Circuit A: 4-5 sets of 5 reps per exercise
1) Hamstrings: Stiff-leg Deadlift
2) Lats: Chest-supported Seated Row
3) Triceps: French Press
4) Gastrocs: Leg Press Calf Raise
5) Rectus Abdominus: Downward Ball Smash
6) Grip Strength: Static Bar Holds with Oversized Bar
Friday
B1) Half-Squat (slightly above parallel): 4 x 3 at 85% 1RM
B2) Circuit B: 4-5 sets of 5 reps per exercise
1) Quads: Front Squat (heels elevated)
2) Pecs: Dips
3) Biceps: Incline Dumbbell Curl
4) Soleus: Donkey Seated Calf Raise
5) Obliques: Reverse Trunk Twist on Ball
6) Grip Strength: Preacher Hammer Curl
Month Two / Week Three
Monday
A1) Hang Clean: 3 x 2 at 90% 1RM
A2) Circuit A: 4-5 sets of 6 reps per exercise
1) Hamstrings: Stiff-leg Deadlift
2) Lats: Chest-supported Seated Row
3) Triceps: French Press
4) Gastrocs: Leg Press Calf Raise
5) Rectus Abdominus): Downward Ball Smash
6) Grip Strength: Static Bar Holds with Oversized Bar
Wednesday
B1) Bench Press: 3 x 2 at 90% 1RM
B2) Circuit B: 4-5 sets of 6 reps per exercise
1) Quads: Front Squat (heels elevated)
2) Pecs: Dips
3) Biceps: Incline Dumbbell Curl
4) Soleus: Donkey Seated Calf Raise
5) Obliques: Reverse Trunk Twist on Ball
6) Grip Strength: Preacher Hammer Curl
Friday
A1) Half-Squat (slightly above parallel): 3 x 2 at 90% 1RM
A2) Circuit A: 4-5 sets of 6 reps per exercise
1) Hamstrings: Stiff-leg Deadlift
2) Lats: Chest-supported Seated Row
3) Triceps: French Press
4) Gastrocs: Leg Press Calf Raise
5) Rectus Abdominus: Downward Ball Smash
6) Grip Strength: Static Bar Holds with Oversized Bar
Month Two / Week Four
Note: Remember, total volume should be reduced 50% from last week on the circuits.
Monday
B1) Hang Clean: 1RM testing, then max reps with 80%
B2) Circuit B: 2-3 sets of 5-6 reps per exercise
1) Quads: Front Squat (heels elevated)
2) Pecs: Dips
3) Biceps: Incline Dumbbell Curl
4) Soleus: Donkey Seated Calf Raise
5) Obliques: Reverse Trunk Twist on Ball
6) Grip Strength: Preacher Hammer Curl
Wednesday
A1) Bench Press: 1RM testing, then max reps with 80%
A2) Circuit A: 2-3 sets of 5-6 reps per exercise
1) Hamstrings: Stiff-leg Deadlift
2) Lats: Chest-Supported Seated Row
3) Triceps: French Press
4) Gastrocs: Leg Press Calf Raise
5) Rectus Abdominus: Downward Ball Smash
6) Grip Strength: Static Bar Holds with Oversized Bar
Friday
B1) Half-Squat (slightly above parallel)
1RM Testing, then max reps with 80%
B2) Circuit B: 2-3 sets of 5-6 reps per exercise
1) Quads: Front Squat (heels elevated)
2) Pecs: Dips
3) Biceps: Incline Dumbbell Curl
4) Soleus: Donkey Seated Calf Raise
5) Obliques: Reverse Trunk Twist on Ball
6) Grip Strength: Preacher Hammer Curl
Month Three / Week One
Note: Core exercise percentages are based on new 1RM's achieved last week.
Monday
A1) Hang Clean: 5 x 4 at 80% 1RM
A2) Circuit A: 4-5 sets of 4 reps per exercise
1) Hamstrings: Ball Unilateral Leg Curl (left leg)
Lay face up on the floor, with the arms perpendicular to the torso, palms down to stabilize your position on the floor. The working leg is held straight and with the foot on the top of a Swiss ball. The non-working leg is raised in the air.
Step one: Raise the hips off the floor, so that the entire body forms a straight line. The knee of the working leg should be slightly flexed, not locked out. This starting position is critical for success in this exercise.
Step two: Maintaining a straight (neutral) hip position, "curl" by flexing the knee of the working leg until it's just past 90 degrees of flexion. Return to start position (keep hips up!) and repeat for indicated number of repetitions.
2) Hamstrings: Ball Unilateral Leg Curl (right leg)
3) Lats: Close, Parallel-grip Pull-Up
4) Triceps: Decline Dumbbell Triceps Extension
This is performed like a "skull crusher" only you use dumbbells and a decline bench.
5) Gastrocs: Donkey Calf Raise (Partner or Machine)
6) Rectus Abdominus: Sit-Up
7) Grip Strength: Straight-bar Thumbless Reverse Curl
Wednesday
B1) Bench Press: 5 x 4 at 80% 1RM
B2) Circuit B: 4-5 sets of 4 reps per exercise
1) Quads: Lunge in Place (left)
This is just a static lunge where the forward foot stays put as you move up and down.
2) Quads: Lunge in Place (right)
3) Pecs: Dips
4) Biceps: Low Cable Curl
5) Soleus: Seated Calf Raise
6) Obliques: Supine Twisting Medicine Ball Pike
Start with the medicine ball between your feet, with legs straight and together.
Reach up and grab the ball with your left hand by executing a twisting crunch. Uncurl back down to the starting position and pass the ball to your right hand. Curl back up and replace the ball between your feet with your right hand, and uncurl back down. Reach up and grab the ball with your left hand, and return to start, etc.
Note: Keep low back flat to the floor at all times, and avoid flexing your neck (i.e., do not bring the chin to the upper chest).
7) Grip Strength: Incline Hammer Curl
Friday
A1) Half-Squat (slightly above parallel): 5 x 4 at 80% 1RM
A2) Circuit A: 4-5 sets of 4 reps per exercise
1) Hamstrings: Ball Unilateral Leg Curl (left)
2) Hamstrings: Ball Unilateral Leg Curl (right)
3) Lats: Close, Parallel-grip Pull-Up
4) Triceps: Decline Dumbbell Triceps Extension
5) Gastrocs: Donkey Calf Raise (Partner or Machine)
6) Rectus Abdominus: Sit-Up
7) Grip Strength: Straight-bar Thumbless Reverse Curl
Month Three / Week Two
Monday
B1) Hang Clean: 4 x 3 at 85% 1RM
B2) Circuit B: 4-5 sets of 5 reps per exercise
1) Quads: Front Squat (heels elevated)
2) Pecs: Dips
3) Biceps: Incline Dumbbell Curl
4) Soleus: Donkey Seated Calf Raise
5) Obliques: Reverse Trunk Twist on Ball
6) Grip Strength: Preacher Hammer Curl
Wednesday
A1) Bench Press: 4 x 3 at 85% 1RM
A2) Circuit A: 4-5 sets of 5 reps per exercise
1) Hamstrings: Ball Unilateral Leg Curl (left)
2) Hamstrings: Ball Unilateral Leg Curl (right)
3) Lats: Close, Parallel-grip Pull-Up
4) Triceps: Decline Dumbbell Triceps Extension
5) Gastrocs: Donkey Calf Raise (Partner or Machine)
6) Rectus Abdominus: Sit-Up
7) Grip Strength: Straight-bar Thumbless Reverse Curl
Friday
B1) Half-Squat (slightly above parallel): 4 x 3 at 85% 1RM
B2) Circuit B: 4-5 sets of 5 reps per exercise
1) Quads: Front Squat (heels elevated)
2) Pecs: Dips
3) Biceps: Incline Dumbbell Curl
4) Soleus: Donkey Seated Calf Raise
5) Obliques: Reverse Trunk Twist on Ball
6) Grip Strength: Preacher Hammer Curl
Month 3 / Week Three
Monday
A1) Hang Clean: 3 x 2 at 90% 1RM
A2) Circuit A: 4-5 sets of 6 reps per exercise
1) Hamstrings: Ball Unilateral Leg Curl (left)
2) Hamstrings: Ball Unilateral Leg Curl (right)
3) Lats: Close, Parallel-grip Pull-Up
4) Triceps: Decline Dumbbell Triceps Extension
5) Gastrocs: Donkey Calf Raise (Partner or Machine)
6) Rectus Abdominus: Sit-Up
7) Grip Strength: Straight-bar Thumbless Reverse Curl
Wednesday
B1) Bench Press: 3 x 2 at 90% 1RM
B2) Circuit B: 4-5 sets of 6 reps per exercise
1) Quads: Front Squat (heels elevated)
2) Pecs: Dips
3) Biceps: Incline Dumbbell Curl
4) Soleus: Donkey Seated Calf Raise
5) Obliques: Reverse Trunk Twist on Ball
6) Grip Strength: Preacher Hammer Curl
Friday
A1) Half-Squat (slightly above parallel): 3 x 2 at 90% 1RM
A2) Circuit A: 4-5 sets of 6 reps per exercise
1) Hamstrings: Ball Unilateral Leg Curl (left)
2) Hamstrings: Ball Unilateral Leg Curl (right)
3) Lats: Close, Parallel-grip Pull-Up
4) Triceps: Decline Dumbbell Triceps Extension
5) Gastrocs: Donkey Calf Raise (partner or machine)
6) Rectus Abdominus: Sit-Up
7) Grip Strength: Straight-bar Thumbless Reverse Curl
Month Three / Week Four
Note: Remember, total volume should be reduced 50% from last week on circuits.
Monday
B1) Hang Clean: 1RM testing, then max reps with 80%
B2) Circuit B: 2-3 sets of 5-6 reps per exercise
1) Quads: Front Squat (heels elevated)
2) Pecs: Dips
3) Biceps: Incline Dumbbell Curl
4) Soleus: Donkey Seated Calf Raise
5) Obliques: Reverse Trunk Twist on Ball
6) Grip Strength: Preacher Hammer Curl
Wednesday
A1) Bench Press: 1RM testing, then max reps with 80%
A2) Circuit A: 2-3 sets of 5-6 reps per exercise
1) Hamstrings: Ball Unilateral Leg Curl (left)
2) Hamstrings: Ball Unilateral Leg Curl (right)
3) Lats: Close, Parallel-grip Pull-Up
4) Triceps: Decline Dumbbell Triceps Extension
5) Gastrocs: Donkey Calf Raise (partner or machine)
6) Rectus Abdominus: Sit-Up
7) Grip Strength: Straight-bar Thumbless Reverse Curl
Friday
B1) Half-Squat (slightly above parallel):
1RM testing, then max reps with 80%
B2) Circuit B: 2-3 sets of 5-6 reps per exercise
1) Quads: Front Squat (heels elevated)
2) Pecs: Dips
3) Biceps: Incline Dumbbell Curl
4) Soleus: Donkey Seated Calf Raise
5) Obliques: Reverse Trunk Twist on Ball
6) Grip Strength: Preacher Hammer Curl
Conclusion
After this 12 week cycle, take a week off and regroup. When deciding what type of training to do following this cycle, take stock of your strengths and weaknesses, and make sure that the weaknesses are addressed in the subsequent cycle.
Good luck with the program!
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