What this book is
The Westside Barbell Book of Methods is Louie Simmons' lifetime of work in 319 pages. It is the master text on the Conjugate Method and the training system Louie built at Westside Barbell over four decades. Refreshed edition with redesigned covers, additional imagery, and a restructured layout that makes the material easier to work through.
Who this is for
- Powerlifters and strength athletes who want the system from the source
- Strength and conditioning coaches building or refining their programming
- Lifters running their own training and ready to graduate from generic templates
- Anyone who has heard of Conjugate and wants the foundational text, not a summary
What is inside
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Training methods. Conjugate, dynamic effort, maximum effort, and reactive methods, in Louie's own words.
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Exercise technique. Specific guidance on the squat, bench press, and deadlift.
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Periodization and programming. How to structure training across weeks, months, and years.
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Nutrition and recovery. Restoration, injury prevention, and training longevity.
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Work capacity. Building the engine that makes high-volume strength training sustainable.
Why Westside
The system in this book has produced numbers that few gyms have ever matched.
- 99 members who have benched over 600 lb
- 106 members who have squatted over 800 lb
- Three members who have deadlifted over 900 lb
Louie also served as a strength consultant for the Cleveland Browns, Green Bay Packers, and Seattle Seahawks, and worked with athletes across track and field, combat sports, and Olympic lifting.
About the author
Louie Simmons founded Westside Barbell in Columbus, Ohio, and over four decades coached athletes who broke more than 100 all-time world records.
FAQ
What is the difference between the Book of Methods and Special Strength Development for All Sports?
The Book of Methods is the foundational text on the Westside system as Louie taught it, with heavy emphasis on the squat, bench, and deadlift. Special Strength Development for All Sports is a later, more research-driven book that integrates the Soviet, Bulgarian, and Westside Conjugate systems for athletes outside of powerlifting. Most lifters start with Book of Methods.
Is this book for beginners?
It is written for serious lifters. Beginners can read it and learn from it, but the value compounds with training experience. If you are brand new to barbell training, build a year of consistent lifting first.
Is there an e-book version?
Yes. The Book of Methods is also available as a downloadable e-book.
What is the difference between this edition and earlier ones?
The training content is the same proven system. The refreshed edition has redesigned covers, more images, and a restructured table layout that improves readability without changing the substance.
Does the book cover programming for sports outside powerlifting?
It touches on it. For deeper coverage of conjugate programming for non-powerlifting athletes, look at Special Strength Development for All Sports or the Throwers Guide.
