Hypertrophy-Specific Training

From the Hypertrophy-Specific Training Series

This is a workout that I designed after years of studying hypertrophy-specific research. I now use myself (added additional 10-20 pounds), and have used successfully to train competitive bodybuilders for some time. It is NOT designed for competitive track athletes, Powerlifters or Olympic lifters. It is designed according to research looking specifically at muscle hypertrophy, not muscle performance. This kind of training is fine to put on size during the off-season, but do not use this routine if you are a performance athlete during the competitive season.

This subject deserves a lot more attention than I am able to give it here. I will cover the topic more thoroughly in the future, including references. In the meantime, if you want to grow as fast as possible, this type of high-frequency, high-intensity, low-volume training is most effective. If you are interested in this topic you may find a previous 3 part article interesting as well.

Each body part should be trained using the following exercises:

Workout should be performed 3 times per week.

Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday are rest days. Light cardio (20-40 min.) may be performed on rest days. Incline treadmill (brisk walk) should be first choice.

There is an obligatory increase in weight (from 5-20 lbs.) each workout. This means that at times you may be working with less than your maximum weight for any given rep scheme. This is by design. You will reach max poundages for a given rep range on the last workout of each two week block.

Repetitions will decrease every 2 weeks in the following order: 15 for 2 weeks Þ 10 for 2 weeks Þ 5 for 2 weeks Þ 5s/negatives for two weeks. 15’s can be skipped when you are about to start over after the first 8 week cycle. If you are feeling strain-type injuries coming on don't skip the 15s.

Sets will be limited to 1-2 per exercise. There is no problem with a single set per body part as long as it is a maximum effort and/or the rep tempo and form is strictly controlled or the weight is extremely heavy preventing further sets.

Complete each workout using designated poundages even if muscles are sore from previous workout. It is important to know the difference between an injury and ordinary muscle soreness.

Following each 6-8 week cycle, a one-week break should be taken during which no, or very little, training should be performed. This time is used to recuperate and allow any minor over-use injuries to heal. Try to get plenty of sleep as well as participate in leisure activities outside of the gym.

The whole workout can be split into a morning and afternoon session. It can likewise be doubled, performing the same workout morning and evening. Keeping volume (number of sets and exercises) low is critical if doubling the workout.

10 Rep Maxs’ for all exercises were established previously and are as follows:

Squat = 10x235 lbs

Leg Curl = 10x70 lbs

Bench = 10x185 lbs

Chins = 10xBW+10 lbs

Dips = 10xBW+20 lbs

Rows = 10x150 lbs

Delts (Rear) = 10x30 lbs

Shrugs = 10x185 lbs

Bis = 10x45 lbs

Tris = 10x50 lbs

Workouts should be done in similar fashion for each rep scheme using the appropriate poundages determined by your *RM.

Use the training log form included to keep track of your performance. Make multiple copies for future cycles.

About the Author

Bryan Haycock M.Sc. is an exercise physiologist and NPC judge. Bryan has been bodybuilding for over 20 years and holds certifications with the NSCA, ACE, and is a member of the American College of Sports Medicine. Bryan is currently the Editor in Chief of ThinkMuscle.com and is the founder and CEO of LifeStyleMgmt.com. Bryan is a highly sought after authority on the physiology of muscle growth and fat loss. Bryan also specializes in the management of type-II diabetes through diet and exercise.