Layer 2 - 2RM
40kg x 2
50kg x 2
60kg x 2
70kg x 2
75kg x 2
Layer 3 - Cluster Reps
67.5kg 3x5
Layer 4 - 5sec Eccentric
52.5kg x 6
52.5kg x 5
50kg x 6
Layer 5 - Constant tension
40kg x 2 sets to failure
20kg x 20
Woah what a chest pump! Chicks panties hit the floor, guys conversations stopped dead and the hot gym assistant dropped her vacuum cleaner as I walked past.
This is definitely the hypertrophy program I need and I can already see the benefits outside of just getting a good bit of mass about me.
Layer system is one if his that’s on my short list to try at some point.
WS4SB is a good program, but it’s definitely geared towards athletes more so than the recreational lifter. If you were doing everything else an athlete does aside from lifting I bet you’d have liked it more.
I’ll hit you up in the other thread about the high pulls!
Layer 1 - Isometric
4x6 sec pushing against 6plates each side
Layer 2 - 2RM
60kg x 2
70kg x 2
80kg x 2
90kg x 2
95kg x 2
Layer 3 - Cluster Reps
85kg 3x6
Layer 4 - Slow Eccentric
65kg x 6
65kg x 7
65kg x 7
Layer 5 - Constant Tension
47.5kg x 2
Not going to lie, that was tough. The transition from ‘strength’ work to ‘hypertrophy’ work at Layer 4 absolutely trashes me. I’ve never done 5 second eccentric on squats before and it really showed!
Great quad pump from the constant tension sets, I’m still wrecked from it 30 min later!
I did some empty barbell SGHP after the Clusters but I just had no gas so stopped it pretty abruptly.
Yeah cheers mate, I didn’t know that until I had a quick look through CT’s forum and saw a few different variations of them. I think I’ll run it how it’s set up at the moment and see after 4 or 6 weeks how each lift is feeling and how I’m recovering.
Oh yeah, I’m very aware of that feeling!
It’s cool to train with limited equipment or in a way that limits you to a certain amount or type of exercises, like the layer system limits you to variations of one exercise for the day. Those limitations really light up the imagination.
You have obviously had to work hard and continue to do so. I definitely draw inspiration and motivation from you stronger guys.
It is hard work this program but I already feel swole, I have a good amount of DOMS going on and I’m not feeling the cold lately. All those signs are telling me that there will be gains coming shortly!
Layer 2 - 2RM
30kg x 2
35kg x 2
40kg x 2
45kg x 2
50kg x 2
Layer 3 - Cluster Reps
45kg 3x4
Layer 4 - 5sec Eccentric
35kg 3x8
Layer 5 - Constant tension
25kg x 2
So I did this with a really high incline, probably more Overhead Press than Incline Bench. The reason is my shoulders feel awkward on a normal (45) incline. My shoulders also don’t like heavy barbells overhead but (un)lucky for me I’m really weak on the OH Press at the moment. Shouldn’t take long to build it back up.
The Clusters were tough. Only managed 4 reps each but the slow eccentric was pretty easy. I think this is because I naturally lower my OH Press pretty slow, about 3 seconds.
It was a pretty easy session for the nervous system. Didn’t sweat at all and felt fine all day. Bit of a contrast to the bench and squats!
Tomorrow I’m going to go in and do the optional lat day. I like @danteism idea of clusters for chins so I may just do that!
All weights include bodyweight which was 79.0kg (rounded to 80kg). The 65kg was a guess while using the assisted weights. The goal is to build my 2RM up so I can do the eccentric Layer with my bodyweight.
Really enjoyed that session and got to use my dip belt which was really cool.
Leg Press Calf Raises
120kg 2x15
Lateral Raises
7kg 2x15
Snatch Grip High Pull
(Forgot Layer 1)
Layer 2 - 2RM
20kg x 6
30kg x 6
40kg x 2
50kg x 2
60kg x 2
65kg x 2
Layer 3 - Cluster Reps
60kg 3x6
Karowski Rows
Layer 4 - 5sec Eccentric
45kg 3x7
Layer 5 - Constant tension
32.5kg x 2
Felt really cool trying 2 new movements! A bonus is that they where all PRs!
The SGHP went really quite well. I have a knack of being able to pick stuff up pretty quickly and this was no different. Did a few more a low weights than recommended but felt comfortable upping the weight. Karowski Rows are pretty cool too! They gave me a good pump and also gave my grip a bit of TuT as well.
Already feel soreness in the traps so I’m hoping to see good things out of this. The last session for week one is tomorrow. Preacher Curls! Yup, a whole workout dedicated to my biceps just call me Irishbro from now on!