Muscle Plataue buster

[aussie_muscle]

Hi. Ive been working out a few years now and regardless of whether i bulk or cut, my muscle size and strength never seem to pass a certain point. Same as fat loss, ill cut down really well, and then just stop. My diet is healthy, i consistantly eat clean, natural unprossesed foods, high protein. Ive tried low carb and diets on this web site perfectly and still cant pass this point. Now, i actually thought maybe giving a power lifting routine a go and try and gain as much strength as i can, that way when I go back to my weight lifting routine, id be pushing the heavy weight thus creating a harder and more thourough work out, true? Do I have any other options besides anabolic steroids? Im 21 years old, 73kgs, 5'9 with about 12 - 13% body fat (just an estimate)

Cheers Lads.

[klosey]

you could try circuit training or hit

[aussie_muscle]

^^ Never seen that done before. Got any articles or examples of these workouts?

Whats everyones opinion on this powerlifting routine?

[ QUOTE ]
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Here is a strength training program designed by one of Russias finest coaches. There is some controversy over these Sheiko workouts. Some say they are too long, upto 2.5 hours to complete, some say you would have to be taking boat loads of juice to finish this workout, it will hinder progress, because you would be so overtrainied that you couldn't possiblky gain any strength or mass. However, when the program is put toi the test, it produces amazing powerlifters. In russia alot of powerlifters and bodybuilders train together because of similar exercise choice, so this program should work for both goals. Besides who wants to be all show, and no Go. I have never tried this program, however, those who are willking should recieve some amazoing results. Check out the bopttom of the page for a total of how many reps you complete each week in this program by exercise.


available at http://www.zyworld.com/powerlifting/sheikotraining1.htm

Monthly Training Plan - 1

In base (preparation) period by coach Boris Sheiko (Russia)

(50% 5X1 – where: 50% - percentage of maximum; 5 – reps; 1 - sets)

1 WEEK

1 day (Monday)

1.Bench press 50% 5Х1,60% 4Х2,70% 3Х2,75% 3Х5.(34)
2.Squat 50% 5Х1,60% 5Х2,70% 5Х5.(40)
3.Bench press 50% 6Х1,60% 6Х2,65% 6Х4.(42)
4.Flat dumbbells “flies”10Х5.
5.”Good mornings” (standing) 5Х5.
Total: 116 lifts

3 day (Wednesday)

1.Deadlift 50% 5Х1,60% 5Х2,70% 4Х2,75% 3Х4.(35)
2.Incline bench press 4Х6.
3.Dips 5Х5.
4.Deadlift from boxes 50% 5Х1,60% 5Х2,70% 4Х2,80% 3Х4.(35)
5.Squats “Scissors” 5+5Х5.
6.Abs 10Х3.
Total: 65 lifts

5 day (Friday)

1.Bench press 50% 7Х1,55% 6Х1,60% 5Х1,65% 4Х1, 70% 3Х2,75% 2Х2,70% 3Х2,65% 4Х1, 60% 6Х1,55% 8Х1,50% 10Х1.(66)
2.Flat dumbbells “flies”10Х5.
3.Squat 50% 5Х1,60% 4Х2,70% 3Х2,75% 3Х5.(34)
4.French press 10Х5.
5.”Good mornings” (seating) 5Х5.
Total: 100 lifts

Total in a week: 286 lifts


2 WEEK

1 day (Monday)

1.Squat 50% 5Х1,60% 4Х2,70% 3Х2,80%2Х5.(29)
2.Bench press 50% 5Х1,60% 4Х1,70% 3Х2,80% 2Х6.(27)
3.Flat dumbbells “flies”10Х5.
4.Push ups on the floor with weight (hands shoulders wider) 10Х5
5.Squat 55% 3Х1,65% 3Х1,75% 3Х4.(18)
6.”Good mornings” (standing) 5Х5.
Total: 74 lifts

3 day (Wednesday)

1.Deadlift till knees 50% 4Х1,60% 4Х2,70% 4Х4.(28)
2.Bench press 50% 5Х1,60% 5Х2,70% 4Х5.(35)
3.Flat dumbbells “flies”10Х5.
4.Deadlift 50% 4Х1,60% 4Х1,70% 3Х2,75% 3Х5.(29)
5.Squat “scissors” 5+5Х5.
Total: 92 lifts

5 day (Friday)

1.Squat 50% 4Х1,60% 4Х1,70% 3Х2,75% 3Х6(29)
2.Bench press 50% 6Х1,60% 5Х1,70% 4Х2,75% 3Х2,80% 2Х2, 75% 4Х1,70% 5Х1,60% 6Х1,50% 7Х1.(51)
3.Flat dumbbells “flies”10Х5.
4.Triceps 10Х5.
5.Squat 55% 3Х1,65% 3Х1,75% 2Х4.(14)
6.”Good mornings” (seated) 6Х5.
Total: 80 lifts

Total in a week: 246 lifts

3 WEEK

1 day (Monday)

1.Squat 50% 5Х1,60% 4Х2,70% 3Х2,80% 3Х5.(34)
2.Bench press 50% 5Х1,60% 4Х1,70% 3Х2,80% 3Х5.(30)
3.Flat dumbbells “flies”10Х5.
4.Push ups with weight 10Х5.
5.Squat 50% 5Х1,60% 5Х1,70% 5Х5.(35)
6.”Good mornings” (standing) 5Х5.
Total: 99 lifts

3 day (Wednesday)

1.Deadlift till knees 50% 4Х1,60% 4Х1,70% 4Х2,75% 4Х4(32)
2.Bench press 50% 6Х1,60% 5Х1,70% 4Х2,75% 3Х2, 80% 2Х2,75% 3х2,70% 4Х1,65% 5Х1, 60% 6Х1,55% 7Х1,50% 8Х1.(65)
3.Flat dumbbells “flies”10Х5.
4.Deadlift from boxes 60% 5Х1,70% 5Х2,80% 4Х4.(31)
5.Squat “Scissors” 5+5Х5.
6.Abs 10Х3.
Total: 123 lifts

5 day (Friday)

1.Bench press 50% 5Х1,60% 4Х1,70% 3Х2,80% 2Х5.(25)
2.Squat 50% 5Х1,60% 5Х1,70% 5Х2,75% 4Х5.(40)
3.Bench press 50% 6Х1,60% 6Х2,65% 6Х4.(42)
4.Flat dumbbells “flies”10Х5.
5.”Good mornings” (standing) 5Х5.
Total: 107 lifts

Total in a week: 329 lifts

4 WEEK

1 day (Monday))

1.Squat 50% 5Х1,60% 4Х1,70% 3Х2,80% 3Х2, 85% 2Х3.(27)
2.Bench press 50% 5Х1,60% 4Х1,70% 3Х2,80% 3Х5.(30)
3.Flat dumbbells “flies”10Х5.
4.Dips 8Х5.
5.Squat 50% 5Х1,60% 4Х1,70% 3Х2,80% 2Х4.(23)
6.”Good mornings” (standing) 5Х5.
Total: 80 lifts

3 day (Wednesday)

1.Bench press 50% 5Х1,60% 4Х1,70% 3Х2,80% 3Х2, 85% 2Х3.(27)
2.Deadlift 50% 4Х1,60% 4Х1,70% 3Х2,80% 3Х2, 85% 2Х3.(26)
3.Bench press 55% 5Х1,65% 5Х1,75% 4Х4.(26)
4.Flat dumbbells “flies”10Х5.
5.Squats “Scissors” 5+5Х5.
Total: 79 lifts

5 day (Friday)

1.Squat 50% 5Х1,60% 4Х1,70% 3Х2,80% 3Х6.(33)
2.Bench press 50% 5Х1,60% 5Х1,70% 5Х5.(40)
3.Flat dumbbells “flies”10Х5.
4.Dips 8Х5.
5.”Good mornings” (seating) 5Х5.
6.Abs 10Х3.
Total: 73 lifts

Total in a week: 232 lifts
Total in a month: 1093 lifts

Monthly volume in lifts (reps) by weekly cycles


Exercises-SQUATS--BENCH PRESS---DEADLIFTS
Week 1-----74---------142------------- 70
Week 2-----90---------113-------------57
Week 3-----109-------162-------------63
Week 4----- 83--------123-------------26
Monthly-----356-------540------------216
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Exercises--Good Morninigs--Other-----# of workouts
1 week-----50-----------------254----------3
2 week-----55-----------------275----------3
3 week-----50-----------------255----------3
4 week-----50-----------------285----------3
Monthly-----205---------------1069--------12

Thats a (!@#$%^&*) pile load of volume!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Try it and post your results its only a month, there are lots of these programs, but this is begginers #1

[/ QUOTE ]

[ QUOTE ]
here is month # 2 of the plan

Monthly Training Plan - 2

In base (preparation) period by coach Boris Sheiko

(50% 5X1 – where: 50% - percentage of maximum; 5 – reps; 1 - sets)

1 WEEK

1 day (Monday)

1. Bench press 50% 5Х1, 60% 4Х2, 70% 3Х2, 80% 3Х6 (37)
2. Squat 50% 5Х1,60% 4Х1,70% 3Х2,80% 3Х5 (30)
3. Bench press 50% 5Х1,60% 5Х1,70% 5Х5 (35)
4. Flat dumbbells “flies” 10Х5.
5. Squat 55% 5Х1,65% 4Х1,75% 3Х5 (24)
5. ”Good mornings” (standing) 5Х5.
Total: 126 lifts

3 day (Wednesday)

1. Deadlift 50% 4Х1,60% 4Х2,70% 3Х2,80% 3Х5.(33)
2. Bench press 50% 5Х1,60% 5Х1,70% 4Х2,75% 3Х2,80% 2Х2, 85% 1Х2,80% 2Х2,75% 3Х2,70% 4Х1,65% 6Х1, 60% 8Х1,55% 10Х1,50% 12Х1 (80)
3. Flat dumbbells “flies” 10Х5.
4. Deadlift from boxes 60% 5Х1,70% 4Х2,80% 3Х3,90% 2Х4 (30)
5. Squats “Scissors” 5+5Х5.
6. Abs 10Х3.
Total: 143 lifts

5 day (Friday)

1. Squat 50% 5Х1,60% 4Х2,70% 3Х2,80% 3Х5 (34)
2. Bench press 50% 5Х1,60% 4Х2,70% 3Х2,80% 2Х6 (31)
3. Dips 6Х5.
4. Squat 50% 5Х1,60% 5Х2,70% 4Х4 (31)
4. French press 10Х5.
5. ”Good mornings” (seating) 5Х5.
Total: 96 lifts

Total in a week: 286 lifts


2 WEEK

1 day (Monday)

1. Squat 50% 5Х1,60% 4Х2,70% 3Х2,80% 2Х2, 90% 1Х3 (26)
2. Bench press 50% 5Х1,60% 4Х1,70% 3Х2,80% 2Х6 (27)
3. Flat dumbbells “flies”10Х5.
4. Push ups on the floor with weight (hands wider shoulders) 10Х5.
5. Squat 50% 5Х1,60% 4Х1,70% 3Х2,80% 2Х4 (23)
6. ”Good mornings” (standing) 5Х5.
Total: 76 lifts

3 day (Wednesday)

1. Deadlift till knees 50% 4Х1,60% 4Х2,70% 3Х2,75% 3Х4(30)
2. Bench press 50% 5Х1,60% 5Х1,70% 4Х2,75% 3Х2, 80% 2Х2,75% 3Х2,70% 5Х2,60% 7Х1,50% 9Х1(60)
3. Flat dumbbells “flies”10Х5.
4. Deadlift 50% 4Х1,60% 4Х1,70% 3Х2,80% 3Х5.(29)
5. Squats “Scissors” 5+5Х5.
Total:119 lifts

5 day (Friday)

1. Bench press 50% 5Х1,60% 4Х2,70% 3Х2,80% 2Х5 (29)
2. Squat 50% 5Х1,60% 5Х2,70% 5Х5 (40)
3. Bench press 55% 4Х1,65% 3Х1,75% 2Х5 (17)
4. Dips 8Х5.
5. Leg presses 6Х5.
6. ”Good mornings” (seating) 6Х5.
Total: 86 lifts

Total in a week: 281 lifts

3 WEEK

1 day (Monday)

1. Squat 50% 5Х1,60% 4Х2,70% 3Х2,80% 3Х5.(34)
2. Bench press 50% 5Х1,60% 4Х1,70% 3Х2,80% 3Х5.(30)
3. Squat 50% 6Х1,60% 6Х1,65% 6Х4 (36)
4. Bench press 55% 5Х1,65% 5Х2,75% 4Х4 (31)
5. Flat dumbbells “flies”10Х5.
6. ”Good mornings” (standing) 5Х5.
Total:131 lifts

3 day (Wednesday)

1. Deadlift 50% 4Х1,60% 4Х1,70% 3Х2,80% 3Х3, 85% 2Х3 (29)
2. Bench press 50% 6Х1,60% 5Х1,70% 4Х2,75% 3Х2, 80% 2Х2,85% 1Х2,80% 2Х2.75% 3х2, 70% 5Х1,65% 7Х1,60% 9Х1,55% 11Х1, 50% 13Х1 (86)
3. Flat dumbbells “flies”10Х5.
4. Deadlift from boxes 65% 5Х1,75% 5Х2,85% 4Х4.(31)
5. Squats “Scissors” 5+5Х5.
6. Abs 10Х3.
Total: 146 lifts

5 day (Friday)

1. Bench press 50% 5Х1,60% 4Х1,70% 3Х2,80% 3Х6 (33)
2. Squat 50% 5Х1,60% 4Х1,70% 3Х2,80% 3Х2, 85% 2рХ3п,80% 3Х3 (36)
3. Bench press 50% 5Х1,60% 5Х2,70% 5Х5.(40)
4. Flat dumbbells “flies”10Х5.
5. ”Good mornings” (seating) 5Х5.
Total: 109 lifts
Total in a week: 386 lifts

4 WEEK

1 day (Monday)

1. Squat 50% 5Х1,60% 4Х1,70% 3Х2,80% 3Х2, 85% 2Х2,90% 1Х2 (27)
2. Bench press 50% 5Х1,60% 4Х1,70% 3Х2,80% 3Х2, 85% 2Х2,80% 3Х2 (31)
3. Flat dumbbells “flies” 10Х5.
4. Dips 8Х5.
5. Squat 55% 4Х1,65% 4Х1,75% 3Х5 (23)
6. ”Good mornings” (standing) 5Х5.
Total: 81 lifts

3 day (Wednesday)

1. Deadlift till knees 50% 3Х1, 60% 3Х2, 70% 3Х2, 75% 2Х4(23)
2. Bench press 50% 5Х1, 60% 5Х1, 70% 4Х2, 75% 3Х2, 80% 3Х2, 75% 4Х1, 70% 5Х1, 65% 6Х1, 60% 7Х1, 55% 8Х1, 50% 9Х1 (65)
3. Deadlift 50% 4Х1, 60% 4Х1, 70% 3Х2, 80% 3Х6 (32)
4. Flat dumbbells “flies”10Х5.
5. Squats “Scissors” 5+5Х5.
6. Abs 10Х3.
Total: 120 lifts

5 day (Friday)

1. Squat 50% 5Х1,60% 4Х1,70% 3Х2,80% 3Х7 (36)
2. Bench press 50% 5Х1,60% 4Х1,70% 3Х2,80% 2Х6 (27)
3. Flat dumbbells “flies”10Х5.
4. Dips 8Х5.
5. ”Good mornings” (seating) 5Х5.
Total: 63 lifts

Total in a week: 264 lifts
Total in a month: 1296 lifts

[/ QUOTE ]

Heres the apparent results of one powerlifter:

[ QUOTE ]
The Report of Russian coach Yuri Ustinov about a test of training program of Boris Sheiko on drug free lifter of average level.



Sheiko Training Programs. Do they work on regular people? After these programs of Boris Sheiko have been posted on the net, and also in some powerlifting magazines, the huge wave of different opinions about it came up. Will the natural powerlifter be able to handle all the work and volume? Or the mega-dose of steroids is required? Or, right after lifter has started to follow the program, he will definitely get chronically overtraining stress? And how to rehabilitate after, if beside of that some other things present, such as job (school), family? Totally, there were many questions and arguments about the program. There was only one method – a test.

I made an experiment (I can’t find another word) in my hometown Novorossiysk, of prospective progress in the results of average lifter by working on Boris Sheiko program.

In the beginning I would say about the sportsman, the major person in my experiment. Alexander Barabash. He was born in 1972. Master of Sport in track and field. Was specializing in running for 400 meters over boards. His height is about 2 meters (!). Weight – 97 kg. By that time he was already a candidate to Master of Sport in powerlifting, working out with weights since 1998. As you can see from this information, he does not have any special benefits or advantages for doing powerlifting. Long muscles, “running”. Beside of that, Alexander works very hard (he has his own business) and has a family.

The program for two months has been chosen. One month from preparation period, and second from competition period of candidates to Master of Sport and Masters of Sport. At the last contest (Novorossiysk’s Summer Championship) he has lifted in squat – 222.5 kg, bench press – 122.5 kg and deadlift – 235 kg. Therefore the percentage was taken of these weights. But in the process of training after the test Alex has increased these numbers by 5 kg in squat and bench press.

As very responsible and “hard” man, Alex was following every point of all workouts. It was extremely hot. In that summer in Novorossiysk the temperature was getting +50C in shadow! Our gym is located right under the sun and is not equipped with airconditioners.

But Alex was working out without any problems and did not miss a one workout.

We planed to get him up to pick of shape by Krasnodar regional championship, but it was not held. Especially for Alex we have made a City Records Day.

The result was phenomenal. I will repeat, a person is 2 meters high, with body weight of just 97 kg! Hands are long, legs are even longer. Just imagine, how comfortable he is!

Without any competitors, you will agree that it is very important; Alex’s squat was 245 kg, bench press – 142.5 kg and deadlift – 240 kg. In deadlift he was “soft”, because of competitors absence. He had some extra kilos to lift in squat. In bench press his attempt for 145 was redlighted by referees.

47.5 kg within two months! I think it is a good increase in total.

So, now you have to judge. Does the system work or not? It is important, as I think, to count the percentage correctly. For the maximum weights you should take a real numbers, but not those that you want to lift after. And one more thing: Alex had worn knee wraps during the hard day in squat, and easy day – without them. All the rest he has done without special uniform. He had worn the special uniform only for the test and contest. Also, a power of spirit plays the major role during workouts such as those. Each workout takes more than 2.5 hours. But if this system has worked out with the lifter without any advantages for powerlifting, so I think, it will work on every other lifter.

Honestly, I don’t know how this system will work on a lifter of highest level, because the weights are absolutely different. But the experience of Sergey Mor, Alexey Sivokon and Maxim Podtynniy says for itself.



P.S. Six months later Alex has participated at the 2000 Open Moscow’s Cup and lifted the following: squat – 250 kg (very easy), bench press – 152.5 kg, deadlift – 250 kg. He is still following the training programs of Boris Sheiko, and does not plan to stop on this level.



Yuri Ustinov

Coach

[/ QUOTE ]

[maverickBU]

Sheiko is VERY advanced stuff... I personally don't like it for most natural athletes. For busting your size plateau, though, accumulating strength is a great idea. When you get to a certain point, more weight is what you need, not shocks and tricks.

Check out westside barbell and Starr's 5x5 for good examples of time-tested strength training with focus, not too many bells and whistles.

[westlondonflex]

Power lifting / strength training is a great idea. I switch from a high volume to low volume workout (strength based) and had great results. The key was to increase the weight or reps every workout for every lift.

[stillflabby]

I got lost trying to read that.

Bill Starr 5x5...awesome routine. I did that one for about 9 months with great success.

[aussie_muscle]

That westside barbell program was a quit interesting read and seems like a fairly good program. Heres an example of that workout http://www.muscletalk.co.uk/article-...e-barbell.aspx

Few questions though. I dont wish to improve my leg power, its mainly chest and back. Is it possible to maybe switch the heavy quad exercise for maybe T bar rows and incorporate a little leg exercise in the smaller lifts? So basically i wish to add back to my focal point instead of legs.

It states that you shouldn't do a particular MAX lift exercise for more than three weeks, in that time though, would i add another max lift for the same muscle group or is three weeks usually adequet enough to improve strength in that muscle group?

Does my 1RM have to be reset every week?

[maverickBU]

Your muscle size and strength don't seem to increase past a point... you don't want to increase leg power... any one else connecting the dots here?

WSB has been painstakingly constructed. Either do it or don't. Don't change a bunch around and make it something else.

[over eater]

To get your upper body bigger and stronger, getting your lower body bigger and stronger goes a long way... That's what maverick is getting at in case it flew over your head...

[aussie_muscle]

I totally agree with what your saying but the reason i dont want my legs any bigger is because they're the only things that grow. Im squatting almost 150kg and struggle to bench higher than 85kgs. See my point. My bottom half is out of preportion.

Here is the main reason why im asking about changing it around: [ QUOTE ]
This form of training can be simplified, have the volume reduced, exercises swapped, reps and sets schemes varied all to suit your needs. I regularly utilise training methods, such as 5x5 after a dynamic effort exercise (speed bench for example). It is also good to train areas which Westside doesn't specifically advocate (calves or quads) and just generally keep your interest in the method with some variation. It is however key to maintain the dynamic and maximum effort principles in order for you to make continual progress.

[/ QUOTE ]

I wasnt sure if you could change muscle groups or whether it is a MUST to do squats and bench.

I dont wish to be a 300lb bodybuilder, i just simply use the training and nutrition methods to build a decent sized physique, and I really dont want a massive lower body and small upper body thats all.