Coach - do you prefer full body workouts over splits?
I think for me, and perhaps many other strength enthusiasts here, training our favorite lifts frequently brings both enjoyment & gains (when not overdone, freq/volume/intensity).
I was reading through your training books (black book/HtH) and comparing to your more recent programs.
One thing I like is the shift away from the bro-ish bodybulding split you’ve advocated before to more full body, higher freq style. Even best damn workout for natties, while “bodybuilding” has a template that is full body and high freq hitting each muscle.
Basically, full body is the way to go. Technically, even on a push/pull/legs or layers split, when you throw in warmups with bodyweight (lunges, chins, dips) you’re working your whole body. No one should spend one whole workout doing just pressing or just pulling without working antagonist muscles (body balance aside, antagonist pairing also increase performance/gains).
Your strength skill circuit is the epitome of full body and high frequency. I’m revisiting Reg Parks 5x5 style (and i know you’re a big 5x5 fan) and on the “off days” I’m experimenting with doing a simple bodyweight circuit (50 handstand pushups, 100 pushups, 50 chins, 200 squats, 50 lunges each leg).
Many can go wrong with excessive split training. Few fail to gain from a proper heavy compound, full body style as long as they have diet in check and add in bodyweight moves (my opinion).
I see some folks saying beyond beginner stages, 5x5 or full body stuff doesn’t work and i just think its not true. I used to that by that, but many of the proponents of splits, “intermediate” bodybuilding doing 8-15 reps look very average, unles they use steroids. On the contrary, the performance beasts who do full body 5x5 and improve strength over long term look fantastic, especailly when “dieted down”.
Just my thoughts now, happy to hear yours if possible…