By Ryan S Fernando
Super Strength Workout
This brutally simple yet effective workout has 2 parts.
The first part of the workout focuses on maximal strength (intensity) on one core/main lift.
The second part of the workout focuses on density and volume and getting the most 'bang for your buck'.
It's nothing new or revolutionary, but it works if your stumped for time and want to hit all bases.
This is best if your NOT already on a structured program that your following consistently, such as if your on holiday and have access to a gym, or need something easy to follow.
This is not recommended for beginners.
The Plan
Part 1: First 15 Minutes
Pick a main exercise. This should be a compound lift, preferably barbell, such as a barbell squat, deadlift or bench press, as they allow for the most weight to be loaded.
The focus should be on maximal strength here. A few templates you can follow:
3x5@ 80%1RM
5x5@ 75% 1RM
3-3-3 @ 85% 1RM
This should take under 15 minutes to complete.
Alternatively, you can establish a 3-5RM on the desired lift within 15 minutes.
You can be flexible with this, as long as your resting under 3 minutes a set and keep it low volume. Intensity is key* You get plenty of high rep action in part 2...
*Intensity referring to the % of your 1RM, not your rate of perceived exertion (RPE).
Part 2: Last 15 Minutes
Part 2 we flip things around.
Select 3 accessory exercises. For example, on squat/leg day you could choose leg press, walking lunges and good mornings.
Optimally, compound movements are better, as you get a better hormonal response which works twofold for muscle gain and fat loss, but you can add an isolation exercise if you wish.
You will complete the exercises as a tri-set/complex, one after another with no rest between.
If you where to do 10 reps per exercise, at a tempo of 3-1-1 (3 seconds to lower, 1 second pause, 1 second to lift) equates to just under 3 minutes to complete all 3 exercises in a row.
For the above example, I'd go with a weight that I could do 15 solid reps with (around 50% 1RM). The focus is not on maximal load here, but total volume within the timeframe.
Now given the first part took 15 minutes, we only have 15 minutes left, so arguably if you were to go with the scheme I provided above, you would be able to complete around 5 total rounds.
1 Round = The three exercises completed one after another (tri set).
You can experiment with the tempo and reps per exercise, but you want to limit it to a total of 3-4 exercises instead of turning it into a circuit.
This method is what crossfit peeps call 'AMRAP' which stands for as many rounds as possible. In this case however, our aim isn't to achieve as many rounds as we can by focusing on speed of movement, but rather limiting the rest between exercises. Quality of movement, time under tension and limited rest are the goals here.
This will create a massive lactate buildup and taps into the muscle glycogen stores considerably by moving beyond the anaerobic work zone.
You can use more ballistic movements (kettlebell swings, kettlebell snatches, medicine balls) however the total time under tension is a lot less, and you'd have to increase the reps substantially, making the workout more aerobic in nature.
The beauty of it is you won't be inclined to waste as much time as you normally do between sets, mindlessly looking around the gym, texting or daydreaming... it makes you work, your RPE (rate of perceived exertion) will be high.
You shouldn't be gassed after this, it isn't cardio, but you will be breathing hard... treat it more like a hybrid bodybuilding workout, go for the pump and feel the burn, and just keep moving... embrace the pain.
This brutally simple yet effective workout has 2 parts.
The first part of the workout focuses on maximal strength (intensity) on one core/main lift.
The second part of the workout focuses on density and volume and getting the most 'bang for your buck'.
It's nothing new or revolutionary, but it works if your stumped for time and want to hit all bases.
This is best if your NOT already on a structured program that your following consistently, such as if your on holiday and have access to a gym, or need something easy to follow.
This is not recommended for beginners.
The Plan
Part 1: First 15 Minutes
Pick a main exercise. This should be a compound lift, preferably barbell, such as a barbell squat, deadlift or bench press, as they allow for the most weight to be loaded.
The focus should be on maximal strength here. A few templates you can follow:
3x5@ 80%1RM
5x5@ 75% 1RM
3-3-3 @ 85% 1RM
This should take under 15 minutes to complete.
Alternatively, you can establish a 3-5RM on the desired lift within 15 minutes.
You can be flexible with this, as long as your resting under 3 minutes a set and keep it low volume. Intensity is key* You get plenty of high rep action in part 2...
*Intensity referring to the % of your 1RM, not your rate of perceived exertion (RPE).
Part 2: Last 15 Minutes
Part 2 we flip things around.
Select 3 accessory exercises. For example, on squat/leg day you could choose leg press, walking lunges and good mornings.
Optimally, compound movements are better, as you get a better hormonal response which works twofold for muscle gain and fat loss, but you can add an isolation exercise if you wish.
You will complete the exercises as a tri-set/complex, one after another with no rest between.
If you where to do 10 reps per exercise, at a tempo of 3-1-1 (3 seconds to lower, 1 second pause, 1 second to lift) equates to just under 3 minutes to complete all 3 exercises in a row.
For the above example, I'd go with a weight that I could do 15 solid reps with (around 50% 1RM). The focus is not on maximal load here, but total volume within the timeframe.
Now given the first part took 15 minutes, we only have 15 minutes left, so arguably if you were to go with the scheme I provided above, you would be able to complete around 5 total rounds.
1 Round = The three exercises completed one after another (tri set).
You can experiment with the tempo and reps per exercise, but you want to limit it to a total of 3-4 exercises instead of turning it into a circuit.
This method is what crossfit peeps call 'AMRAP' which stands for as many rounds as possible. In this case however, our aim isn't to achieve as many rounds as we can by focusing on speed of movement, but rather limiting the rest between exercises. Quality of movement, time under tension and limited rest are the goals here.
This will create a massive lactate buildup and taps into the muscle glycogen stores considerably by moving beyond the anaerobic work zone.
You can use more ballistic movements (kettlebell swings, kettlebell snatches, medicine balls) however the total time under tension is a lot less, and you'd have to increase the reps substantially, making the workout more aerobic in nature.
The beauty of it is you won't be inclined to waste as much time as you normally do between sets, mindlessly looking around the gym, texting or daydreaming... it makes you work, your RPE (rate of perceived exertion) will be high.
You shouldn't be gassed after this, it isn't cardio, but you will be breathing hard... treat it more like a hybrid bodybuilding workout, go for the pump and feel the burn, and just keep moving... embrace the pain.
Ryan Fernando is an accredited Strength & Conditioning Coach and holds a degree in exercise & sport science with extensive understanding of anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, muscle imblances, mobility,
injury prevention, program design, nutrition and management.
In addition, he has gone through the same trials and tribulations as most people are in pursuit of their health and fitness goals, and knows what works and what doesn't.
He has experience working with people from all walks of life, having consulted/trained/dealt with developmentally delayed clients, the elderly, state and national level athletes and everyday people simply looking to get fitter and lose weight.
Ryan's Approach is about much more than just exercising... Physical activity is just one part of the picture and recognize the importance of total mind and body health.
Ryan operates a blog at http://www.rynosrant.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ryan_S_Fernando injury prevention, program design, nutrition and management.
In addition, he has gone through the same trials and tribulations as most people are in pursuit of their health and fitness goals, and knows what works and what doesn't.
He has experience working with people from all walks of life, having consulted/trained/dealt with developmentally delayed clients, the elderly, state and national level athletes and everyday people simply looking to get fitter and lose weight.
Ryan's Approach is about much more than just exercising... Physical activity is just one part of the picture and recognize the importance of total mind and body health.
Ryan operates a blog at http://www.rynosrant.com
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