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Researched
and Composed by
Gabriel “Venom” Wilson, BSc. (Hons), CSCS
Photo by Pat Marvenko Smith Introduction
In the book of Revelation, we read about a
great time of suffering, known as the Apocalypse, which can be defined
as (Webster's Dictionary, 2005), "the expectation of an imminent cosmic
cataclysm in which God destroys the ruling powers of evil and raises the
righteous to life in a messianic kingdom."
During the first set
of judgments upon the earth, The Lamb—Jesus Christ—opens 4 seals, which
releases 4 horsemen, who are sent to cause havoc on the earth. The 4th
horseman, who rode upon what is described as a pale horse, is the most
notable of all, for we read that his name was
Death, and hell was as his shadow!
This verse optimizes the agony I am going to put my body through during the
next 31 days! Hence, the name of these articles. The following articles will be perhaps the most unique
workout series you have ever read. In part one, I am going to explain
how and why I designed this training program, and in the second part, I
am going to take you through 31 days of agony that I personally went
through. Follow me further, if you dare...
Training Splits
A training split can be defined as the
scheduling and distribution of your workouts over a short time span.
Through the years, I have been asked by various athletes to design and
critique literally hundreds of training splits. To design a split, I use
a system of methods. Below I am going to take you through the entire
process I went through to design this training program. Hopefully, this
can be used as a template for the reader to apply when making their own
training split.
The
Vision
When designing a program, you should go from
a broad to narrow perspective. Start with a broad idea and don't limit
your artistic thoughts. For example, don't tell yourself something can
never be done. Put all your thoughts down on paper, and then analyze how
you can go about accomplishing them.
The first thing you need is a vision. This
vision should consist of your goals for the program, and then a basic
framework to design the program based on science, experience, and
artistic ness, which may consist of implementing completely novel
methods never tried or suggested before.
I have been pondering this program since
September, when I started my cut, and I was able to bring it to
fruition. I had a vision of designing a training program guaranteed to
stimulate muscular hypertrophy, and even hyperplasia, by combining years
of scientific research and experience in the field of bodybuilding. It
is the hardest split I have ever written! It was designed using numerous
training principles, including studies on optimal training frequency,
daily undulated periodization, summated microcycles, training a muscle
twice in one day, and numerous other theories.
Scientific Framework
I had numerous ideas of theories I wanted to
implement into this training program. I simply laid them out on paper,
and later on, I thought of how I could combine them into a great
training program. Below, I am going to discuss the methods that I wanted
to implement.
Note:
In order to understand the next several
paragraphs on periodization, you are going to need to study the
following articles by Wilson, J., & Wilson G., (2005):
The subsequent discussion is based on
their findings. For more information, refer to those articles.
Periodization, DUP, and Summated Microcycles
Periodization can be defined as the division of a training season,
typically 1 year long, into smaller more manageable intervals with the
ultimate goal of reaching peak performance during primary competitions (Zatziorsky,
1995).
Traditional periodization involves phases lasting typically 4 weeks in
duration. For example, you will train for hypertrophy for a month (i.e.
in the 8-12 rep range with 1-2 minutes rest between sets) then go on a
“strength” cycle for a month (i.e. 6-8 reps, 3-5 minutes rest between
sets).
Poliquin investigated the effectiveness of the training program for
football players. He particularly analyzed periodization.
Poliquin reported studies which found that strength programs lost their
efficiency after only two weeks (Kulesza & Poliquin, 1985; Poliquin,
1985, b).
In light of this research, Poliquin suggested that traditional
periodization had three fundamental problems.
1. A given mesocycle, such as a hypertrophy cycle, was typically not
deviated from for at least 4 weeks. This length, however, would be
accommodated to quickly, and gains would diminish.
2. Traditional periodization involves a continual increase in intensity,
resulting in an accumulation of stress, promoting overtraining.
3. The hypertrophy gained from the first month of training would plummet
over the next several months of strength/power phases, which involved
higher intensities, and decreasing volumes, both of which are not
conducive to hypertrophy, rendering the first month of traditional
periodization practically worthless.
To combat these problems, Poliquin proposed what he called undulated
(variations) periodization. This involved decreasing volume at a much
slower rate, and intensity increasing more gradually than a traditional
periodized program. Moreover, phases are only two weeks in duration, in
comparison to four in the traditional protocol, decreasing the chance of
accommodation.
Several modifications have been made to Poliquin’s program. First, the
term undulated periodization is tautologous or redundant because a
periodized program by its very nature is undulated.
Therefore, a new and proper name has been chosen in its place—daily
undulated periodization (DUP). This variation emphasizes that it is not
the inclusion of undulation that makes this technique novel, but rather
the degree of undulation.
Rhea et al. (2003) popularized the current forum of DUP. Instead of
modifying training every three weeks, workouts in this paradigm are
modified every session. An example of DUP would be training an exercise
three times a week, such as squats. Monday, the athlete would perform
three sets of squats, at a 12-15 RM, Wednesday four sets at a 8-10 RM;
Friday, three sets at a 1-5 RM; Monday, repeat cycle.
Though more studies are needed on this method, the current research
suggests that DUP is superior to traditional periodization.
Stone, in a round table on periodization (Haff, 2004) discussed a novel
method, known as summated microcycles. This method uses undulations on a
weekly basis. It usually consists of 4 weeks of blocked microcycles,
representing one mesocycle. This mesocycle can then be repeated for
further gains. There are numerous variations of this program. One method
is to take a traditional periodized program, and scale it to the
microcycle level. For example, week one would be a hypertrophy cycle,
week two a strength cycle, week three a power cycle, and week four a
taper. Using this type of program would result in a continual increase
in training intensity, which is why a taper is applied during the fourth
week. After this, the cycle would start over.
Plisk (Haff, 2004) proposes that summated microcycles have three
benefits: 1.) Summating overload over several weeks can increase the
probability of converging training benefits. 2.) Weekly variations in
training would obstruct accommodation. 3.) Lastly, the unloading phase
would curtail stress, minimizing the likelihood of overtraining.
Further, it is commonly advised to arrange training phases into 4 weeks
(Plisk and Stone, 2003). Matveyev (1972) proposes that natural monthly
biocycles support the notion of a 4 week training cycle, divided into 4
varying microcycles. Zatsiorsky (1995) suggests that training cycles
should be structured to a 4 (+-2) week phase, to superimpose the delayed
training effects of several training variables dispersed over time.
Summated microcycles show great promise; however, the method is largely
based on inference. More studies need to be done on its effectiveness,
and proper applications.
Now, with this scientific framework in mind, I wanted to apply a method
that President Wilson and I have discussed in times past. This was
to combine DUP and some concepts from summative microcycles. To elaborate, DUP typically
consists of slight variations in reps, rest, and volume from workout to
workout. While summated microcycles make violent modifications, but on a
weekly bases. Thus, we hypothesized that making these large
modifications on a daily bases, would be highly effective.
In light of this, I thought of several typical mesocycles used during
periodization, and broke them down to a DUP format. I decided to use a
strength cycle, hypertrophy cycle, shock cycle, and active recovery
cycle.
Strength & Hypertrophy Workouts Explained
This will follow the same
principles of a traditional periodization strength cycle.
Repetitions here will
typically be 1-6, with 3-5 minutes rest in-between sets. Volume will be lower here.
The
cadence (rep speed) will be 1-2 seconds on the concentric and eccentric portion
of the repetition. Basically, it will as fast as possible, but in a controlled
manner.
The hypertrophy workouts will also follow a traditional periodization format.
This will involve
moderate intensity, limited rest, and relatively higher volume. Typically 8-12+
reps are performed, with 1-2 minutes of rest between sets. The goal is to
develop peripheral factors such as stronger tendon, and ligament strength, and
enlarge cross sectional area (muscle mass), which will also allow you to
increase the capacity to express a given skill, and avoid future injuries.
The Cadence will be 3-5 seconds on the eccentric phase (naturally longer for the
legs) and 2 seconds for the concentric portion of the rep.
Shock Workouts Explained
Also known as an
overreaching cycle,
a shock cycle, or workout, entails the athlete training in such a way as
to accumulate fatigue or depletion, followed by a longer than normal
rest period. This combination is thought to lead to an even greater
super compensation effect. An example would entail performing 10 strip
sets on a body part, followed by greater rest periods between sessions.
I will be performing some unique shocking methods, and will only train
the muscle once that day (on most occasions). I will then allow a longer
rest period time, around 4-5 days in duration.
Active Recovery Workouts Explained
I will be using the
method prescribed by Wilson, G. (2003) in,
Active Recovery - A Threefold Breakdown.
I will perform
a few light, high rep resistance training exercises. The goal is to
enhance blood flow to the area, but at the same time, avoid any micro
trauma to your muscles. As such, the weight will be of minimal
resistance, and approximately 20 reps plus. Studies show eccentric
training causes extreme muscular damage (refer to the following article
for extensive research on this,
Cliff Hanger Part I). As such, I will avoid tension on this
portion of the repetition by performing a 1 second eccentric repetition
per rep. The concentric aspect of the lift will last 1-2 seconds. I will
do around 2-5 sets per muscle group. A sample workout for forearms would
entail 2 sets of 20 reps with reverse barbell wrist curls, and 2 sets of
20 reps with barbell wrist curls, using minimal resistance.
I will primarily do this with my
criterion lifts (explained further on).
Note:
In order to understand the next several
paragraphs on training frequency, you are going to need to study the
following article by Wilson, J., & Wilson G., (2005):
Specificity Part VI: The effect of Practice Distribution & Contextual
Interference on Performance & Learning
The subsequent discussion is based on
their findings. For more information, refer to that article.
Training Frequency
Wilson J., & Wilson
G., (2005) suggest that mass vs. distributed practice should be viewed
on a continuum—meaning that practice is relatively more massed or
distributed. For instance, if a set of squats lasts for 30 seconds, a 1
minute rest period and a 5 minute rest period would both be considered
distributed, using the former definition. But, if viewed on a continuum,
the 5 minute rest period was relatively more distributed than the 1
minute rest period.
The
effect of practice distribution on performance and learning has been
investigated extensively for discrete tasks.
A
discrete task is a task with a discernable beginning and ending point.
This would include most weight lifting skills, and swinging a bat or a
golf club. Discrete tasks are characterized by rapid movements, with
very short movement times (I.e. less than 1 millisecond).
Evidence strongly suggests that distributed practice is superior to
massed practice for both performance and learning, when performing
discrete tasks. However, when transferring to massed practice,
such as practicing for wrestling, it would be beneficial to practice at
least in part using shorter rest times. Evidence suggests that such a
training protocol will produce several advantageous adaptations such as
an increased capacity to clear lactic acid. The athlete should
therefore, be aware of their rest times during the actual event, and
practice with those same rest intervals frequently, to maximize
transfer.
It
is typically recommended to take 3-5 minutes rest between sets to
maximize performance and learning.
For
long term practice distribution, there are several applications. For
instance, spreading your workout out to 2 session in one day is a very
effective method. For example, evidence suggests that performing 15 sets
of legs in the first session, and 15 in the second, is superior to 30
sets in one workout. Increasing the frequency throughout the week, and
lowering your volume each workout is a very effective protocol as well.
An example would be doing 30 sets of legs Monday, and 30 sets on Friday,
instead of doing 60 in one workout.
One
issue the athlete must take into account is total practice time. While
distributed practice is superior to massed given an equal number of
trials, it takes much longer to complete than massed practice.
Therefore, the athlete must find a happy medium between distributing the
practice, and optimizing total repetitions.
In this context, I wanted to design a
program that optimized practice distribution. What I decided to do was
train a muscle muscle 2 times
in a day during strength and hypertrophy workouts. On most shock days, I
will only train once per day, because that workout should be adequate
enough to cause serious damage. On the active recovery days, only a few
sets during one session is needed, so this will also only be performed
once.
Based on my past experience with numerous
training splits with DUP, I decide to give myself 2-3 days rest between
strength, hypertrophy, and shock days, which would accumulate the
fatigue. After the shock workout, I would take 5 days rest before my
next strength workout, to allow for
an even greater
super compensation effect. During this 5 day rest period, I would
perform one active recovery workout, to hasten to recovery process. Note
that this strictly dealt with how I would train with large muscle groups
(back, delts, pecs, and legs). I will discuss how I trained small muscle
groups later.
For rest between sets, as stated, I will be
taking 3-5 minutes rest during my strength days, which is optimal for
sensory motor skill acquisition (motor learning). The shocking method
workouts will vary. During active recovery sessions, 2 minutes rest will
suffice.
During the hypertrophy workouts, however, I
will only have 1-2 minutes rest between sets, or less. Often times, I
will utilize the I go you go method, which will involve my partner doing
a set, followed immediately by me doing a set, and immediately repeating
the procedure. The reason for this is that evidence suggests short rest
times are excellent for hypertrophy, in that it maximizes growth hormone
secretion. Refer to Wilson, J., (2005) for more information on this,
The Growth
Hormone – IGF Axis and its Role in Muscular Hypertrophy.
Note:
In order to understand the next several
paragraphs on Random Practice, you are going to need to study the
following article by Wilson, J., & Wilson G., (2005):
Specificity Part VI: The effect of Practice Distribution & Contextual
Interference on Performance & Learning
The subsequent discussion is based on
their findings. For more information, refer to that article
Criterion
Lifts & Random Practice Explained
Typically, I
pick one or two lifts for every body part, and prioritize it during my workout. For
example, I always do it first, or second, and use several practice variables to
increase the lift, such as random and distributed practice, and I also maintain
the same cadence (repetition speed; I use the cadence prescribed for "strength"
workouts) during my lifts (so they do not change on strength or
hypertrophy days; but they do change on shock days.) I also take 3-5 minutes
rest between sets during strength and hypertrophy workouts, to maximize
learning of these skills. For example, I am
prioritizing squats right now during my leg workouts, and always do it first,
and use several methods to optimize it. Same thing for several other lifts. Here
are my criterion lifts right now:
Delts
Dumbbell Shoulder Press
Upright Rows
Chest
Incline
Dumbbell Bench
Flat Dumbbell Bench
Back
Bodybuilding
Dead lifts
Bent Over Rows
Legs
Squats
Biceps
Alternating Dumbbell Curls
Forearms
Reverse Barbell Curls
Behind the back Wrist curls
Triceps
Skull crunchers
Calves
Leg press calve raises
Now, I explained practice distribution, but
I have not explained Random Practice.
Blocked practice occurs when trials are performed sequentially without
interruption. Random practice occurs when trials are never performed
more than once in order. An example would be a bodybuilder performing 3
sets of leg extensions, squats, and hamstring curls each. A blocked
schedule would entail performing 3 consecutive sets on each; a
randomized schedule would entail switching exercises after each set. For
example: one set of squats, one set of leg extensions, one set of
hamstring curls, repeat.
Evidence is very clear on the effect of blocked and random practice on
performance and learning: relative to random practice, blocked practice
enhances performance and depresses learning, while random practice
depresses performance and enhances learning.
When random practice is implemented, current evidence suggests that
randomized blocks, which entails participants performing random practice
every 2-3 sets, may be just as beneficial or even better for learning as
random practice, while minimizing the acquisition decrements experienced
from contextual interference. Thus, if an athlete performs 5 sets of
squats, they may only randomize it on set 2 and 4. So here would be a
sample workout for me on a criterion lift:
2 sets
of squats
1 set of dumbbell shrugs
2 sets of squats
1 set of dumbbell shrugs
1 set of squats
Another method of random practice is modeling, which is the
demonstration of task (with an auditory, still, or live model) before it
is performed. Studies have found that just watching a model perform
random practice is superior to watching a model performed blocked for
sensory motor skill acquisition.
However, when performing random practice, if the athlete watches between
sets, it abolishes the benefits of random practice. For instance, say
the athlete performs a set of squats, and then leg extensions, and then
goes back to squats. If before going back to squats the second time, the
athlete watches someone perform squats (such as spotting a partner) the
benefits of random practice will be destroyed. So if the athlete is
spotting a partner, what they may do is, a set of squats, spot their
partner, then perform leg extensions, and then go back to squats to
avoid this predicament.
Exercise Sequence
Another method of random practice used, is to train one body part for
several sets, then another for several sets, and then go back to the
body part you started with for several sets. For example, my two
criterion lifts for pecs are incline dumbbell bench and flat dumbbell
bench. After 5 sets of incline dumbbell bench, my pecs will be very
fatigued. To allow my pecs more time for recovery, instead of going
straight to flat dumbbell bench, I could do biceps for several sets, and
then go back to chest. This would allow me to perform more total work
with my chest, and still allow me to train my body during the rest
period. So I wanted to design a split that included training large with
small muscle groups for this reason, among others.
One
important factor to consider here is exercise sequence. An exercise
sequence should minimally involve the same muscle groups. For example,
flat barbell bench press (works chest and triceps), tricep extensions
(works triceps), and decline barbell bench press (works chest and
triceps) would be a poor exercise sequence. This sequence would not
allow for optimal work output, because you would be fatigued. So I
wanted to design a split that combined muscles which did not conflict
much, such as legs and biceps. I imagined that some days it would be
difficult to manage this, so I decided that if they're were days within
my split that I had to train conflicting muscles together, I would
typically perform large muscle groups followed by small, which is a
commonly used training method, because large muscle group exercises
typically require the greatest motor coordination, and you do not want
to be overly fatigued when performing them. Further, if I did randomize
conflicting exercises, I would try to work around the conflicting muscle
groups as much as possible. For instance, if I combined calves with
thighs, I may train the tibialis between sets of legs, that do not
utilize this muscle as greatly as the
gastrocnemius,
such as lying hamstring curls.
Lastly, because of the extreme fatigue training large muscle groups can
have on your body, I wanted to design a split that avoided training
large muscle groups together as much as possible, so I could give
maximum effort every workout.
Conflicting Training Days
Conflicting training days occur when performance is hindered during a
workout, because of the muscles trained in a preceding workout. Here are
several examples of conflicting training days:
-
Triceps before Pecs
-
Delts before Pecs, and visa versa
-
Calves before Thighs
-
Back before Thighs, and visa versa
-
Biceps before back
-
Forearms before back
-
Abs before back
Here
is an example of an incorrect training split. See if you can catch the
mistakes here:
Day 1: Chest
Day 2: Delts
Day 3: Biceps
Day 4: Back
Day 5: Legs/calves
Day 6: Triceps/forearms
Day 7: Start over
I'll give you some time to think before critiquing this...
There are several problems in this split. Pecs are trained before delts,
biceps before back, back before legs, and triceps before chest. All of
these conflicting training days will hinder performance.
With this in mind, a goal of mine for this split, was to design it so
that I had at least one day of rest between conflicting muscle groups.
For example, if chest was trained day one, delts would not be trained
earlier than day 3.
Exercise Choice
Here is a quote from
Wilson, J., (2005) explaining exercise choice, and how to manipulate it
to maximize growth hormone secretion:
1.
Exercise Choice – This variable is related to compound vs.
isolation exercises, as well as the size of the muscle groups being
trained. In a recent review on GH, Fleck and Kramer (2004) provided
evidence that GH is released to a greater extent with compound vs.
isolation exercises, and in exercises that involve larger rather
than smaller muscle groups. Compound exercises involve movements at
more than one joint. In this context, when all other variables are
held constant a bench press which involves movement at both the
elbow and glenohumeral joints would have a greater effect than the
dumbbell fly at stimulating a GH response. Further, when comparing
squats to bench presses, the squat which involves larger muscle
groups such as the gluteals, quadriceps, and hamstrings would elicit
a greater GH response than the bench press, which mainly stimulates
the pectorals and triceps. The theoretical rationale is the fast
twitch fiber feedback hypothesis and lactate concentration
hypothesis, explained under exercise intensity.
In
this context, Wilson J., suggested that, "it may be valuable to perform
compound before isolation exercises, as well as train small body parts
after large body parts so as to expose them to a physiologically high
concentration of GH."
Thus,
a goal of mine for this program was to design it so that I could train
small muscle groups with large muscle groups, in order to expose them to
higher concentrations of growth hormone.
Rest
The last year I have tried
to train with weights seven days per week. But I found that this caused
excessive fatigue, and hindered my performance. Further, the majority of
authors I have read suggest that one day of rest per week is sufficient
to dissipate the fatigue during a split (Fry, 1988;
Fry, Kraemer, Lynch, Triplett, and Koziris, 1994).
For example, in a review on the fitness and fatigue model (refer
to,
Tapering Part 1 - Two Factor Theory
for more information) Loren, Chiu, and Barnes (2003) suggest that,
“Even 1 day per week of rest can be sufficient for recovery (12, 13).”
Therefore, I wanted to
design a split where I took one day off every single week from weight
training, and just performed some cardio and abs.
Priority Principle
Now that we have established our
scientific, artistic, and experiential framework for this split, we need
to discuss the priorities of the split. Most of the time, we are limited
with the amount of time we train due to school, work, family, etc.
Therefore, certain days we may not be able to train at all, or perhaps
only once. So before designing a split, we should lay down a set of
parameters to work with. For example, Monday, no workouts, Wednesday,
Thursday, and Friday, only train once. You have to also consider the
experience of the athlete. For example, you should not start out
training twice a day as a newbie, even if your schedule allows it. Then
design your split working along these parameters.
With time constraints, it
becomes important to prioritize certain body parts. The athletes
should analyze their strengths and weaknesses, and prioritize them
appropriately. For example, if your Chest and triceps are your
strengths, and your back and biceps your weaknesses, you may train
chest and triceps only once a week, and Back twice, and biceps 2-3 times
during a week. Prioritizing certain muscle groups allows you to work
within time constraints, and still effectively prioritize your weakest
muscle groups.
For my split, I designed
it around a time of the year when I have a lot more free time. So I was
free to do whatever I felt was optimal for a training split, meaning I
often train 2-3 times per day during this split. Thus, my priorities
during this split were pretty much everything!
More Parameters
For large muscle groups, I wanted to
typically follow these guidelines:
Heavy Cycle—Train twice in one day
2
days rest
Hypertrophy Cycle—Train twice in one day
3
days rest
Shock cycle—train once
3
days rest
Active recovery—train once
2
days rest
Repeat
Lastly, I decided to
make it a 30 day program.
Designing the Split
With the scientific framework laid, and
several parameters set, I was ready to make my split. I started out by
making a 30 day spread sheet, consisting of morning and evening
sessions. I began by just laying out large muscle groups, according to
the aforementioned parameters. I did not even consider conflicting days,
small body parts, or abs and cardio. I also set one day aside for rest
every week.
After I designed a rough draft split, I went through and critiqued
it. Here are the critiques I found.
Easy days—I
listed the days where I only trained once, or had the entire day off, so
I knew what days I had to work with so I could adjust my split
accordingly.
Day 9, night session
Day 10, night session
Day 12, both sessions
Day 13, both sessions
Day 23, night session
Day 24, night session
Day 26, night session
Day 27, entire day
2 workout days—I
listed the days in which I trained large muscle groups together during
the same workout. Remember, a goal of mine was to avoid training large
muscle groups in the same workout. So I needed to make some adjustments
here.
Day 3, morning
Day 8, morning
Day 15, morning
Day 22, morning
Day 29, morning and night
Conflicting Days—I
listed days that conflicted with each other, such as training back
after legs, and delts before pecs. As you recall, avoiding this was also
a goal of mine.
Day 3, back shock after legs heavy
Day 4, delts hypertrophy after back and pecs
Day 9, legs shock after back heavy
Day 16, legs heavy after back shock
Day 18, Delts hypertrophy after pecs heavy
Day 23, legs shock after back heavy
Frequency—here,
I listed how frequently I trained each large muscle group. My goal was
to train them equally, so some adjustments needed to be made here.
Delts, legs, and chest 9 days out of 30. Back 8 days out of 30. All
include 2 days of active recovery
After spending several hours making revisions, I again critiqued my
split and made the following notes:
Easy days
Day 8, night
Day 10 night
Day 11 night
Day 12 whole day
Day 23, evening
Day 24, night
Note: All these easy days I
planed to use later to fit my small muscle groups in the split.
2 workout days
Day 3 back shock with
pecs heavy
Day 15, back shock
with legs heavy
Note: I could settle for only 2
days where I combined body parts. So I stuck with this.
Conflicting Days
Day 3, back shock
after legs heavy
Day 4, delts
hypertrophy after back and pecs heavy
Day 15, back with
legs
Day 18, Delts
hypertrophy after pecs heavy
Note: Again, I could settle for
few conflicting days of training. I also designed it so that I trained
different muscle fibers during the conflicting workouts (i.e.
hypertrophy workouts will recruit a different motor neuronal pool then
strength workouts).
Due to the
specificity of fatigue, this would minimize the hindrance training these
muscle groups would have on each other.
Frequency
legs, back, delts,
chest all are 9
Note: This was exactly what I
wanted! I
also made sure I got at least 4 days rest before heavy days, and no
conflicting days before heavy days in the split. Below I listed what these
9 workouts consisted of for each muscle group. It came out very
symmetrical.
Heavy workouts
chest, delts, legs 3
days
back 2 days
Shock workouts
Chest, delts, legs 2
days
Back 3 days
Hypertrophy
workouts
2 for everything
Active recovery
Workouts
2 days for
everything
After this, I was
satisfied with how I designed the split for my large muscle groups. I
considered this the hardest part of designing the split, and was very
relieved to finish it. I then moved on to small muscle groups.
I made some parameters for this to start.
I decided to up the frequency for small muscle groups, as they recovery
more frequently, to 12 days total in a 30 day time span, I also
eliminated the active recovery day. And went with this:
Strength
Hypertrophy
Shock
Repeat
The rest days would
look like this:
Strength
2 days rest
Hypertrophy
2 days rest
Shock
4 days rest
repeat
On the strength and
hypertrophy days, I wanted to train twice a day as often as I could.
I spent several hours trying to put what I
had in mind together. I had to make several revisions, on rest, and
sometimes had to settle for training the muscle only once on strength
and hypertrophy days. But I was satisfied with the end result. After
analyzing the split, I found that I could not obtain training 12 days a
month for all of these small muscle groups without hindering my
performance, and I was satisfied with the frequency. So I went with the
following: 10
days biceps
8 days calves
11 days triceps
8 days Forearms
I tried to train
small muscle groups with large as much as possible, in order to expose
small muscle groups to larger growth hormone concentrations. I also
limited training conflicting muscle groups, such as triceps and pecs.
Then I added cardio.
I first added it to every 7th day; it worked perfect, because I had no
legs on the following day. Then, I added cardio on practically every leg
day, as a form of active recovery between evening and night leg
sessions. In total, I will perform cardio 11 times in 30 days. For
cardio, I will primarily be performing moderate intensity cardio, at 65%
of my VO2 max. This is to optimize total fat oxidation. For more
information, refer to
Direct Comparisons of Fuel use during Low, Moderate, and High Intensity
Exercises.
Last but not least
was abs. I started with 4 days on my off days with cardio, twice. Then, I
added 1-2 sessions on several days, for a total of training abs 11
times, several of which were twice in one day.
My final training
split can be viewed under Table 1.
Adjustments
Any athlete must be
ready to make adjustments to their initial split. This can be due to
various reasons such as injury, overtraining, and time constraints.
These type of occurrences happen often to athletes, so you should not be
surprised or depressed when you have to make an adjustment. Just be
prepared to do so, and work with what you have.
Adjustments
Below, I listed
adjustments I made to my program and
training split throughout the 31 day program:
-
During day 6 of
my program, I wrote down originally that I was going to do triceps
heavy, but it was supposed to be triceps hypertrophy, so I modified
that.
-
During day 8, I
originally planned to do delts/triceps early, calves/abs later. But
as I was training delts, I realized that it would be much wiser to
distribute the workload more, and train triceps/calves at night, and
abs with delts instead.
-
I previously
wanted to follow Old Schools Abdominal routine, which can be found
in JHR. But I decided it was to much for this program, so I instead
designed my own abdominal workouts.
-
On day 14, I had
planed to do abs and cardio. But I felt tired, so I decided it would
be better to take the day off.
-
I cut out back
shock on day 27 - I was not recovered enough to do that type of
workout.
Is this the "Ultimate" Split?
No, it is not. That
is because there is no such thing as the "ultimate" training split. I
have done countless splits, and gotten great results from several of
them. The key is variation. Our bodies are experts at adapting to
training programs, so we must constantly vary our routines to maintain a
steady flow of growth. This is why we have published dozens of articles
on ABCbodybuilding.com, and will continue too. The more workouts you can add
to your repertoire, the better.
Should I do this when I am
cutting?
Absolutely not! It is
mandatory that you go on a bulk, or at least maintenance diet, amble in
carbohydrates, if you are to perform this program and see results.
Diet and Supplementation
Your diet and
supplementation must be spotless on this program. During these 30 days,
I set process goals every day for both my diet and supplementation
regimen. You can view what supplements I use here,
Goal Setting. I would also read the
24 Workout Mass Diet for a solid bulking plan.
For post workout
nutrition, I had 2 post workout shakes a day, following the
recommendations prescribed in the
The
Window of Opportunity this is
perhaps the most vital meals of your diet. Please do not miss this
opportunity for growth!
Sleep
Simply put, sleep is
when growth occurs, so to miss out on this would be to sabotage your
hard-work. Follow the guidelines for sleep prescribed by Knowlden
(2003):
Enter The Z Factor
Z-Factor II - The Slumber Dynamic
Analysis of The Two-Process Model Of Sleep
Results and Critiques
The program was absolutely brutal. But the
results were worth it.
- I gained about 15 pounds (mostly
muscle).
- I added 40 pounds on my squat!
That is just ridiculous!
- I added 20 pounds on my dumbbell
shoulder press and incline dumbbell press, each.
- My delts are way fuller.
- My calves, biceps, and forearms
grew, but not to well. These are just hard muscles for me to
develop.
- My triceps got some solid growth.
I could not ask for many more results
than I got.
I think it was a fantastic program.
Some potential modifications I would make, is to have a better game plan
on my exact workout volume, exercises, etc. It was difficult to write
out all 60 workouts on a daily bases. It would have helped if I had
pre-planned this. I could not be as creative as I would have liked
because of this.
But overall, I could not be happier
with my results.
Conclusion
Part one of this
series explained the theoretical rationales behind the program, details
on how to perform the program, and also gave a template on critiquing
and designing training splits. With the foundation laid, we are ready to
move on to the workouts. Click Here to
read on.
For the training
split for this program, a summary of the methods used in this split, and
a template for designing/critiquing training splits, please refer to
tables 1, 2, and figure 1, respectively.
Keep it Hardcore,
Venom
Vice President of
ABCbodybuilding.com
Venom@abcbodybuilding.com
References
Fry, A.C., W.J. Kraemer, J.M. Lynch, N.T.
Triplett, and L.P. Koziris. Does short-term near-maximal intensity
machine resistance exercise induce overtraining?. J. Strength Cond. Res.
8:188–191. 1994.
Fry, A.C. The role of training intensity in resistance exercise
overtraining and overreaching. In: Overtraining in Sport. R.B. Kreider,
A.C. Fry, and M.L. O'Toole, eds. Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics. 1998.
pp. 107–127.
Loren Z.F. Chiu MS, CSCS and Jacque L. Barnes. 2003: The
Fitness-Fatigue Model Revisited: Implications for Planning Short- and
Long-Term Training. Strength and Conditioning Journal: Vol. 25, No. 6,
pp. 42–51.
Websters, Online dictionary. 2005.
Table 1.
Final 30 day training
Split
Day I
Morning or Afternoon Session
Delts Heavy
Biceps Heavy
Forearms Heavy
Evening Session
Delts Heavy
Biceps Heavy
Forearms Heavy
Day 2
Morning or Afternoon Session
Legs Heavy
Calves Heavy
Afternoon
30 Minutes cardio
active recovery
Evening Session
Legs Heavy
Calves Heavy
Day 3
Morning or Afternoon Session
Chest Heavy
1/2 Back Shock
Triceps Heavy
Evening Session
Chest Heavy
1/2 Back Shock
Triceps Heavy
Day 4
Morning or Afternoon Session
Delts Hypertrophy
Biceps Hyertrophy
Forearms Shock
Evening Session
Delts Hypertrophy
Biceps Hypertrophy
Day 5
Morning or Afternoon Session
Legs Hypertrophy
Calves Hypertrophy
Abs
Afternoon
30 Minutes cardio
active recovery
Evening Session
Legs Hypertrophy
Calves Hypertrophy
Abs
Day 6
Morning or Afternoon Session
Chest Hypertrophy
Triceps Hypertrophy
Back Active Recovery
Evening Session
Chest Hypertrophy
Biceps Shock
Triceps Hypertrophy
Day 7
Cardio/abs day 1:
30 minutes cardio morning and night, and abs
Day 8
Morning or Afternoon Session
Delts Shock
Abs
Evening Session
Calves Shock
Triceps Shock
Day 9
Morning or Afternoon Session
Back Heavy
Abs
Evening Session
Back Heavy
Forearms Shock
Day 10
Morning or Afternoon Session
Chest Shock
Triceps Heavy
Evening Session
Triceps Heavy
Abs
Day 11
Morning Session
Legs Shock
Biceps Strength
Afternoon
30 Minutes cardio
active recovery
Evening Session
Biceps Strength
Forearms Hypertrophy
Day 12
Morning or Afternoon Session
Calves Strength
Triceps Hypertrophy
Delts Active Recovery
Evening Session
Calves Strength
Triceps Hypertrophy
Day 13
Morning or Afternoon Session
Back Hypertrophy
Biceps Hypertrophy
Legs Active Recovery
Evening Session
Back Hypertrophy
Biceps Hypertrophy
Day 14
off
Day 15
Morning or Afternoon Session
Delts Heavy
Triceps Shock
Evening Session
Delts Heavy
Chest Active Recovery
Day 16
Morning Session
Legs Heavy, 1/2
back shock
Afternoon
30 Minutes cardio
active recovery
Evening Session
Legs Heavy, 1/2
back shock
Abs
Day 17
Morning or Afternoon Session
Chest Heavy
Biceps Shock
Evening Session
Chest Heavy
Calves Hypertrophy
Day 18
Morning or Afternoon Session
Delts Hypertrophy
Triceps Heavy
Evening Session
Delts Hypertrophy
Triceps Heavy
Day 19
Morning Session
Legs Hypertrophy
Calves Hypertrophy
Afternoon
30 Minutes cardio
active recovery
Evening Session
Legs Hypertrophy
Forearms Shock
Back Active Recovery
Day 20
Morning or Afternoon Session
Chest Hypertrophy
Triceps Hypertrophy
Evening Session
Chest Hypertrophy
Triceps Hypertrophy
Day 21
Cardio/abs day 1:
30 minutes cardio morning and night, and abs
Day 22
Morning or Afternoon Session
Back Heavy
Biceps Heavy
Chest active recovery
Evening Session
Back Heavy
Biceps Heavy
Abs
Day 23
Morning or Afternoon Session
Delts Shock
Forearms Hypertrophy
Evening Session
Triceps Shock
Forearms hypertrophy
Day 24
Morning or Afternoon Session
Legs Shock
Biceps Hypertrophy
Afternoon
30 Minutes cardio
active recovery
Evening Session
Biceps Hypertrophy
Calves Shock
Abs
Day 25
Morning or Afternoon Session
Chest Heavy
Triceps Heavy
Evening Session
Chest heavy
Triceps Heavy
Day 26
Morning or Afternoon Session
Back Hypertrophy
Calves Heavy
Legs Active Recovery
Evening Session
Back Hypertrophy
Calves Heavy
Delts Active Recovery
Day 27
Morning or Afternoon Session
Chest Shock
Biceps Shock
Evening Session
Forearms Shock
Day 28
Cardio/abs day 1:
30 minutes cardio morning and night, and abs
Day 29
Christmas! I took
an extra day off.
Day 30
Morning or Afternoon Session
Delts Heavy
Triceps Hypertrophy
Evening
Session
Delts Heavy
Triceps Hypertrophy
Day 31
Morning or Afternoon Session
Legs
Heavy
Biceps Heavy
Forearms Heavy
Afternoon
30 Minutes cardio
active recovery
Evening Session
Legs
Heavy
Biceps Heavy
Forearms Heavy
Table 2
Guidelines for this Training Program
|
|
Reps |
Sets |
Rest between sets |
Cadence
1 |
Additional Comments |
Rest between workouts |
|
Strength |
1-6 |
Low-Moderate |
3-5 minutes |
1, 1-2, 1, 1-2 |
- |
| |