Strength Training Articles

General physical preparation training, commonly called GPP training, is the training or training phase used to establish the strength and endurance necessary to accomplish a sport-relevant training program. GPP training builds basic levels of strength, endurance, coordination, proficiency, and durability, allowing an athlete to train at increasingly high levels of volume and intensity. 

Thu Aug 10, 2023

Even if it means driving an hour or two, if you are serious about taking your strength and conditioning to the next level you need a facility that will allow you the freedom to do so. Unlike a commercial gym where a strong individual can be limited due to a lack of proper equipment, a powerlifting gym removes these limitations immediately. So, if you have made significant gains in a commercial gym, it is reasonable to suspect you will make even more significant gains at a powerlifting gym.

Tue Aug 01, 2023

One variation that is frequently used is the pin press bench. This joint angle-specific exercise focuses on and develops anterior shoulder and tricep strength. As athletes perform and benefit from this exercise, they will notice an ability to lock out heavier weights in the bench and overhead press and produce greater force from 90 degrees to lock out as the arms extend during sports competition.

Mon Jul 24, 2023

As the name suggests, the low bar squat is performed by carrying the bar lower on the back. This bar positioning allows the weight to sit lower on the torso, providing an athlete with improved balance in the squat due to the weight being carried closer to the trunk. Improved balance means increased levels of force production.

Sat Jul 15, 2023

One muscle group that significantly benefits from a Conjugate-based approach is the triceps brachii. With the max effort training we employ, and the amount of triceps training included in upper body accessory training, the triceps can't do anything other than get stronger. Much like how we are constantly focused on building up our back strength, we are just as focused on improving the strength of the triceps.

Fri Jul 07, 2023

Without appropriately selected accessory exercises, athletes risk current weaknesses becoming exacerbated while increasing the likelihood of injury as time passes. As we know, weak things break, and weak muscles become strained or torn if not sufficiently addressed.

Wed Jun 28, 2023

Developing a strong upper torso is an essential aspect of strength training. No matter the sport, athletes will benefit significantly by improving the strength of their shoulders, upper back, pecs, triceps, biceps, and forearms. Not only will strength and athletic performance improve, but the upper body will also become more resistant to injury.

Wed Jun 21, 2023

The Conjugate Method provides many different ways to set up an athlete to achieve a new PR in a specific lift. One of the most effective ways to do this is following a four-week max effort training plan that accounts for fatigue while providing effective absolute strength-focused training

Wed Jun 14, 2023

One of the specialty barbells regularly used at Westside Barbell is the safety squat bar, also known as the SSB. Aside from the giant cambered barbell, the SSB is the most commonly featured specialty barbell in a Conjugate Method training program. Considering the anterior chain emphasis this barbell provides, it is a barbell that should be in regular rotation for all athletes.

Fri Jun 09, 2023

Utilizing the bench press within an overhead press-focused training program expands the options a coach or athlete can choose from to create specific training effects and deliver desired training outcomes. Unfortunately, some fall into the trap of believing that main exercises must be ultra-specific to the task an athlete is training to accomplish.

Sat Jun 03, 2023

The sled is one of the most valuable pieces of equipment an athlete or coach can have at their disposal. Sled training can be manipulated and implemented in different ways to deliver a multitude of training benefits. Depending on the exercise programming, the sled can be used to improve strength, explosive power, and conditioning. 

Thu May 25, 2023

It is now week two of the four-week plan. Last week, the strict press was the main exercise of the day, performed for a top set of five repetitions. While most max effort training is spent training between 1-3 repetitions, using top sets of five reps can be an excellent way to build absolute strength while challenging work capacity with barbell weights around 75-80%.

Sun May 21, 2023

The good morning is a tremendous benefit to any athlete needing posterior chain strength and trunk stability. Not only can this exercise help reduce back injuries, but good mornings can also help reduce the chance of knee injuries. This is all due to how the good morning exercise rapidly builds the trunk, back, hips, glutes, and hamstrings. 

Tue May 16, 2023

If you are a strongman competitor and are struggling to improve your abilities, consider the Conjugate Method. Our methods address all aspects of athletic ability and provide a strongman competitor with a training platform that can be customized to bring about a variety of training outcomes.

Tue May 09, 2023

One exercise that plays a central role in any Conjugate Method program is the deadlift. We utilize the deadlift and include the many variations of the deadlift that are just as effective at building strength and muscle mass. The reason for this is the deadlift's ability to develop posterior strength, often at a rate faster than most other lower body exercises. 

Sun Apr 30, 2023

Whether you are a professional athlete or a hobbyist who enjoys weight training, all humans can benefit from improving the strength of the muscle groups that comprise the torso. Anatomically speaking, these muscle groups are collectively referred to as the trunk muscles. When people hear the term "trunk," they often think of the abdominal muscles. However, the trunk includes both anterior and posterior muscle groups.

Sun Apr 23, 2023

Louie Simmons invented the Reverse Hyper to answer the problems he faced after suffering a severe injury. The Reverse Hyper was instrumental for helping rehab Louie's back and increasing the strength all who used it. This was integral for the heights the Westside lifters achieved and the reason why the Reverse Hyper is used by so many across the world.

Sat Apr 15, 2023

I have said it before and will repeat it; when skill sets are equal or similar, the stronger, faster, and more athletic athlete almost always prevails. If you have to bet on a fight, and all you know about the two fighters is that they are equally skilled in martial arts, but one athlete squats 800lbs while the other squats 315lbs, who would you bet your life savings on if you were forced to?

When skill and technical ability are practically equal, as they usually are at the top of any sport, absolute strength and athleticism make the difference.

Thu Apr 13, 2023

Success in professional grappling demands a combination of skill, strategy, and athleticism. As a highly...

Fri Apr 07, 2023