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This is the DELOAD WEEK prior to the start of the “Reverse Pyramid” Cycle.
Please read the Reverse Pyramid BLOG to learn about this upcoming training program.
YOU ARE EXPECTED TO TAKE 9-10 CALENDAR DAYS TO COMPLETE THE 6-7 DAYS OF TRAINING PROGRAMMED
The DELOAD WEEK will use the SAME repeating movements that you will see in the upcoming cycle.
The purpose of the deload week is to flush fatigue from prior training, and to create familiarity with the new REPEATING movements before new cycle. In parentheses of each “repeating movement,” I will tell you the rep range for the top working set next week.
As always, deload week output level should ensure 6+ “Reps in Reserve” (RIR). You should leave the gym feeling a slight endorphin rush, like going for a hike. There should be very little muscle tightness and no pump. So if I write 8-12 Reps, you should know that you will be using a weight where you could achieve 15-20 Reps.
If you have any doubts about the importance and benefit of Deload weeks in training, PLEASE read the blog post:
Why We Deload and Proper Implementation Protocols
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Day 1 – Upper Body Push
Part A and B Repeat week to week. Track these metrics.
A. Flat DB Bench Press
2 x 8-10 Reps with 15+ Rep weight
(top working set next week will be 5-8 Reps)
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B. Alternate Movements x 2 sets each:
For Both Exercises:
2 x 8-10 Reps with 15+ Rep weight
(top working sets next week will be 5-8 Reps)
Alternating DB Upright Rows
(Reps listed are “per arm”, so 8-10 Reps = 16-20 Reps total)
Rest 1-2 min
Close-Grip Incline Barbell Press
Rest 1-2 min
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C. Alternate Movements x 3 sets each:
“6-Ways” x 6 Reps (One Rep = from waist until DB’s get back to waist)
Rest 1 min
Skull Crusher Push-ups x 5-10 Reps OR Kneeling Cable Tricep Extensions x 12-15 Reps
(elevate hands more to scale)
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D. Band Pull-Aparts OR Cable Face Pulls
4 sets of 15-25 Reps
Rest 45-60 seconds between sets
+ 1 set of Regular Push-ups @ 20X0 tempo till about 5 reps shy of failure (after final set of Pull-aparts)
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Day 2 – Lower Body + Core
Part A and B Repeat week to week. Track these metrics.
A. Stiff-Legged Deadlifts (@31X1)
31X1 tempo = 3-second descent, 1-sec pause bar on ground, EXPLDOE up, 1-sec pause at top)
(elevate barbell on a “riser” if you struggle to maintain a flat back at bottom)
2 x 8-10 Reps with 15+ Rep weight
(top working set next week will be 4-7 Reps)
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B. Back Rack Split Squats (no elevation) OR Smith Machine Split Squat (no elevation)
(choose movement; stay consistent week to week)
2 x 8-10 Reps with 15+ Rep weight
(top working set next week will be 5-8 Reps)
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C. Alternate Movements x 2 sets each:
Leg Extensions x 12-15 Reps (with 20+ rep weight)
Rest 1 min
Oblique Sit-ups (side to side) x 8-12 Reps
Rest 1 min
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D. Alternate Movements x 2 sets each:
Reverse Crunches x 10-15 Reps (quality movement, not rushed reps)
Rest 1 min
Superman’s (1-sec pause at top each rep) x 10-15 Reps
Rest 1 min
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E. Calf Raises (deficit, BW)
2 x 10-20 Reps
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Day 3 – Upper Body Pull
Part A and C Repeat week to week. Track these metrics.
Part B will change week to week but remain a “back focus” section
A. Strict Pull-ups (@21X0) (scale as: Machine-Assisted Pull-ups)
21X0 = 1-sec pause at bottom (full hang position)
***Choose neutral, pronated, supinated, or rings, and stay consistent week to week
2 x 6-8 Reps with 12-15 Rep weight
(top working set next week will be 3-6 Reps)
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B. Strict Bentover Row to Chest
2 x 12-20 Reps (with 25-30 rep weight)
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C. Standing EZ OR Barbell Curls
2 x 8-10 Reps with 15+ Rep weight
(top working set next week will be 5-8 Reps)
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D. Bentover DB Curls OR Preacher Curl Machine
2 x 12-15 Reps (with 20+ Rep weight)
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E. Ring/TRX Face Pulls
(can also perform INVERTED under a barbell or smith machine)
These are programmed for “working sets” next week. Use deload to practice movement and find proper body angle (line of pull) for higher rep sets.
Complete 2-3 “easy” sets of whatever reps feel comfortable and productive
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Day 4 – Upper Body Push
Part A and B Repeat week to week. Track these metrics.
A. Seated DB Overhead Press (@21X0) OR Machine Overhead Press (of choice)
(choose movement; stay consistent week to week)
21X0 = 1-sec pause at bottom (DB’s hovering at shoulder level)
2 x 8-10 Reps with 15+ Rep weight
(top working set next week will be 5-8 Reps)
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B. Weighted Push-ups (details and scaling below) OR Machine Chest Press (of choice)
(choose movement; stay consistent week to week)
Reps also at 21X0 tempo (pause at “chest to bar” on Pushup, or bottom of Machine Press)
2 x 8-10 Reps with 15+ Rep weight
(top working set next week will be 5-8 Reps)
***Weighted Push-ups performed with a Dip-Belt are the most effective way to load and progress the movement week to week. Make sure the barbell is at the same height week to week when you add load.
***If scaling the movement, this is also the OPTIMAL setup. You should manipulate the height of the bar, and adjust it down by 2-3’’ as you get stronger. Once you are performing quality reps at around parallel, you can begin to add weight slowly.
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C. Seated DB Lateral Raises (slight fwd lean)
3 x 10-15 Reps (with 20+ rep weight)
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D. Cable Crossovers OR Machine Fly
2 x 12-20 Reps
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2 x 12-15 Reps per arm
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Day 5 – Lower Body + Core
Part A and B Repeat week to week. Track these metrics.
A. Back Squat OR Hack Squat OR Other Squat Machine of choice
(choose movement; stay consistent week to week)
(If Back Squat, select LOW BAR or HIGH BAR and stay consistent week to week)
2 x 8-10 Reps with 15+ Rep weight
(top working set next week will be 4-7 Reps)
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B. Single-Leg DB RDL (one in each hand) OR Smith Machine Single-Leg RDL
*If really struggling with balance, perform as B-Stance RDL
(choose movement; stay consistent week to week)
4 sets of 5 Reps (per leg)
Increase weight each set, such that the FINAL set is a weight you could do 10-12 reps
(all working sets next week in the 4-8 rep range)
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C. Lateral Lunge (KB front rack; working leg elevated)
2 x 8-10 Reps (per leg)
Keep it light, no sloppy movement
*can also use DB’s if no KB available
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D. 2 Rounds:
Lying Leg Raises x 30 seconds of light effort
Immediately into…
Plank x 45-60 seconds (add small weight if this is super easy for you)
Challenging but not near failure
Rest 1-2 min between rounds
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E. Seated Calf Raise (stretch/contract)
2 x 10-15 Reps (10+ rep load)
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Day 6 – Upper Body Pull
Part A and B Repeat week to week. Track these metrics.
A. Bentover DB Row (one DB per hand) OR T-Bar Machine OR Hammer Strength Row
(choose movement; stay consistent week to week)
2 x 8-10 Reps with 15+ Rep weight
(top working set next week will be 6-10 Reps)
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B. Wide Grip Pulldowns
2 x 8-10 Reps with 15+ Rep weight
(top working set next week will be 6-10 Reps)
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C. Alternate Movements x 2 sets each:
Inverted Rows x 8-12 Reps
Rest 1 min
Incline Prone Rear Delt Flies x 15-20 Reps (light)
Rest 1 min
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D. Seated DB Curls
2 x 10-15 Reps (with 20+ Rep weight)
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Day 7 – OPTIONAL Conditioning
This session can be added at any point throughout the 10-day microcycle
Optimally, it would be done on a day where you aren’t doing anything else
Quick cardio session, then rest up and get ready for the official MICROCYCLE #1 of the new cycle.
Keep output level around 60-70% for whichever conditioning portion you choose to do.
Choose from below:
Row 5K
OR
Run 5K
OR
Assault Bike 10K
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