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Build Strength & Muscle Size

Training For Size and Strength

by Phil Henson

If you ask people what their training goals are...at least 90% will tell you that gaining size and/or strength are their #1 priority. While most powerlifters know that a low volume - heavy weight - low repetition workout is best for gaining strength (with added size as a bonus), many bodybuilders have stayed away from traditional powerlifting routines.

Periodization is necessary for bodybuilders and powerlifters alike - this means that different styles of training should be incorporated at various times of the year with each focusing on different training goals. Yes, it is OK for bodybuilders to train like powerlifters and vise versa. With this in mind - the following routine is a suggestion (there are many good routines out there) for anyone whose goals are size & strength.

The workouts focus on the big 3 - squat, deadlift and benchpress because these are the lifts to concentrate on - you should bust your butt to make your sets and reps on these 3 exercises! Rest at least 3 to 8 minutes between sets when the workouts become tough. The other exercises in the program are considered accessory work - rest only 1 to 2 minutes between sets on the accessory work! Make sure you are getting excess calories with at least 1.5 grams of protein per pound of bodyweight per day (example - a 200 lb. man needs 300 grams of protein per day). Also make sure to get at least 8 hours sleep per night! After finishing this 6 week program - move to more moderate or lighter weights for your next cycle.

First off- you need to know your current one rep max on your exercises since your workouts are based as a percentage of your current 1 rep max. If you do not know your current max - here is a general guide to help you determine it. If you can do:

  2 reps with ? - multiply ? by 1.06 for your 1 rep max.
  3 reps with ? - multiply ? by 1.12 for your 1 rep max.
  4 reps with ? - multiply ? by 1.15 for your 1 rep max.
  5 reps with ? - multiply ? by 1.18 for your 1 rep max.

Here is the program:

  Week 1 - Use 75% for 3 sets of 6 reps on the Big 3, 60% for the accessory work.
  Week 2 - 75% for 3 sets of 6 reps on the Big 3, 65% for the accessory work.
  Week 3 - 80% for 3 sets of 6 reps on the Big 3, 70% for the accessory work.
  Week 4 - Drop the sets to 2 and do 85% for 6 reps on the Big 3, 70% for 3 sets on the accessory work.
  Week 5 - 2 sets of 3-4 reps (bust your butt to get that 4th rep) at 90% for the big 3, 70% for 3 sets on the accessory work.
  Week 6 - 2 sets of 3-4 reps (bust your butt to get that 4th rep) at 95% on the big 3, 70% for 3 sets on the accessory work.

DAY	EXERCISE	SETS	REPS
MONDAY	SQUATS LEG EXTENSION LEG CURL STANDING CALF SEATED CALF	2-3 per above 3 SETS 3 SETS 3 SETS 3 SETS	3-6 per above 10-12 10-12 10-12 10-12
WEDNESDAY	BENCH PRESS INCLINE DB PRESS MILITARY PRESS DB LATERALS SKULLCRUSHERS	2-3 per above 3 SETS 3 SETS 3 SETS 3 SETS	3-6 per above 10-12 10-12 10-12 10-12
FRIDAY	DEADLIFT SEATED ROW LAT PULLDOWN BARBELL CURLS	2-3 per above 3 SETS 3 SETS 3 SETS	3-6 per above 10-12 10-12 10-12





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