Strength Training Articles

A resource for serious lifters and athletes seeking proven strength training methods. The Westside Barbell blog breaks down programming, exercise selection, recovery, and performance strategies built on decades of elite coaching experience of founder Louie Simmons and his dedicated team.

Westside for Raw Powerlifting: Conjugate System Overview

Westside for Raw Powerlifting: Conjugate System Overview

Burley Hawk March 26th, 2026 12 minute read

Conjugate Method | Raw Powerlifting

Over the past decade, there has been much debate in the powerlifting world about whether the Westside Barbell Conjugate System works for the raw...

Common Conjugate Mistakes III

Common Conjugate Mistakes III

Burley Hawk March 19th, 2026 6 minute read

Conjugate Method | Training Methods & Techniques

While the Conjugate Method is the most effective approach to strength and conditioning, it is not foolproof. If a coach or athlete fails to understand even...

Training Specificity

Training Specificity

Burley Hawk March 12th, 2026 9 minute read

Conjugate Method | Training Methods & Techniques

The Conjugate Method develops multiple strengths and athletic traits simultaneously through the use of three primary strength training methods; the...

Modifying Maximal Effort Training

Modifying Maximal Effort Training

Burley Hawk March 4th, 2026 7 minute read

Conjugate Method | Maximal Effort Method

The maximal-effort method is one of the three primary strength-training methods used in the Conjugate Training System. This method focuses on the...

Introduction to Isometric Training

Introduction to Isometric Training

Burley Hawk February 26th, 2026 7 minute read

Conjugate Method | Isometric Training

A key benefit of Conjugate Method training is our ability to tailor our approach to achieve specific training outcomes based on the needs of the...

Basic Conjugate Training Advice XVIII

Basic Conjugate Training Advice XVIII

Burley Hawk February 20th, 2026 8 minute read

Conjugate Method | Training Methods & Techniques

The Conjugate Method enables coaches and athletes to target and achieve practically any training goal. Unfortunately, some fail to see the method's...

The Conjugate Football Advantage

The Conjugate Football Advantage

Burley Hawk February 12th, 2026 7 minute read

Conjugate Method | Football

The sport of football is one of the most physically demanding sports an athlete can choose to play. It is a sport that requires athletes to be explosive,...

Conjugate Training for Jiu-Jitsu: A Beginner-Friendly Strength System That Fits 2–3x/Week on the Mats

Conjugate Training for Jiu-Jitsu: A Beginner-Friendly Strength System That Fits 2–3x/Week on the Mats

Westside Barbell AI February 11th, 2026 6 minute read

Conjugate Method | BJJ Training | Jiu-Jitsu Strength | Strength and Conditioning | Westside Barbell

If you want usable strength, durability, and better mat performance—without beating up your body—this is how Westside adapts the Conjugate System for...

Conjugate for Weightlifting: Maximal Effort Lower

Conjugate for Weightlifting: Maximal Effort Lower

Burley Hawk February 4th, 2026 7 minute read

Conjugate Method | Olympic Weightlifting

The maximal effort method is a strength training approach used to develop absolute strength. This training focuses on high-intensity work, with athletes...

Conjugate for Weightlifting: Basic Programming Strategy

Conjugate for Weightlifting: Basic Programming Strategy

Burley Hawk January 27th, 2026 7 minute read

Conjugate Method | Olympic Weightlifting

The Conjugate Method is a strength and conditioning training system that can be adapted to practically any sport. Often, folks with a limited...