Why??? Well, I have used Louie Simmons type routines as well as more traditional, progressive resistance routines with some success. I have found that both systems have benefits as well as drawbacks. I have also noticed that box squatting makes me sore in different places that regular squatting. Tihs tells me that somehow different muscles are being worked, at or at least to different degrees.It is my contention that if the positive aspects of each system are combined something "greater than the sum of it's parts' might be had. First, I will briefly discuss what I believe to be the main drawbacks of each system.
Louie's System:
Ok, so here's what I propose. Take a 20-21 ( if you've just completed a peaking cycle you could just do the last 10-11 weeks) week period in time. Yes, I know that’s a long time but don't worry, the exercises will change and you won't do exactly the same thing two weeks in a row. You will alternate training styles ; i.e. week one you will perform 12 sets of two in the box squat and week two you will perform regular squats with your contest stance etc. Also, on the Louie weeks you will train 4 days per week (S,M,W,F) and the other weeks you will train only 3 days per week(M,W,F).
A few recommendations. First, I'd say you need to know your CURRENT max lifts before you start. Second, for the monday box squats I'd recommend setting your box at 1.5-2" BELOW parallel, at least the first time through. What you want is a box height that sets your hip joint below your knee joint (i.e. - LEGAL DEPTH) on each and every rep. You want to train yourself to hit depth every week. Find your max squat ON THAT BOX - no wraps or suit. That is the number to use on box days.
WEEK | SUNDAY
BENCH |
MONDAY
SQUAT |
WEDNESDAY
BENCH 2 |
FRIDAY
DEADLIFT |
1 | Box Squat | |||
2 | 40% x 3 sets of 10 | |||
3 | Box | |||
4 | 50% x 3 sets of 8 | |||
5 | Box | |||
6 | 60% x 3 sets of 8 | |||
7 | Box | |||
8 | 65% x 2-3 sets of 5 | |||
9 | Box | |||
10 | 70% x 2-3 sets of 5 | |||
11 | Box | |||
12 | 75% x 2-3 sets of 5 | |||
13 | Box | |||
14 | 80% x 2-3 sets of 3 | |||
15 | Box | |||
16 | 85% x 2-3 sets of 3 | |||
17 | Box | |||
18 | 90% x 2 sets of 2 | |||
19 | Box | |||
20 | 95% x 2 sets of 2 or
3 singles |
|||
21 | Box |