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This is the DELOAD WEEK prior to the start of the “Intensity: Progressing the Stimulus” Training cycle.

Please read the Progressing the Stimulus blog to learn about this upcoming training program.

The DELOAD WEEK will use the SAME repeating movements that you will see in the upcoming cycle.

There are two main reasons for the deload week:

1. Flush fatigue to enhance recovery and optimize progressions in the upcoming cycle.

2.  Create familiarity with the new REPEATING MOVEMENTS, and use deload to establish general idea around working weights for the cycle.

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 – Lower Body (Quad Dominant)
Part A and B repeat week to week. Track these metrics

A. High Bar Pause Back Squat
(or Safety Squat Bar)

FOR DELOAD WEEK:
4 sets of 6-8 Reps
Increase weight each set
Final set should be a weight you *could* do 10-12 Reps (approx 4 RIR)

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B. Banded Sissy / Leg Extension OR Banded DB Leg Extensions
(select movement and stay consistent week to week)

FOR DELOAD WEEK:
1. Establish variation you will use for the cycle
2. Build to ONE challenging set of 15 Reps
(close to failure; this will be used for a “cluster” approach next week).

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C. DB RDL (without hip extension)
Reps 15-12-9
(Increasing weight, such that the TOP SET of 9 Reps is with a weight you *could* do 12-15 reps)

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D. 2 Rounds:

Barbell Hip Thrusts x 10-12 Reps
Rest 1-2 min
Hanging Oblique Knee Raises x 10-20 Reps (5-10/side)
Standard Sit-ups (no weight or decline) x 10-20 Reps
Rest 1-2 min

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Day 2 – Upper Body (Chest/Back Dominant)
Part A, B and C repeat week to week. Track these metrics

A. Alternate Movements:
FOR DELOAD WEEK:
4 sets of 8-10 Reps
Increase weight each set
Final set should be a weight you *could* do 12 Reps (approx 2-3 RIR)

A1. Incline DB Bench Press (pause bottom)
Rest 2 min to A2

A2. (weighted) Pull-ups OR Rack Pull-ups (options below)
Rest 2 min back to A1

Rack Pull-up Options:

Weighted Rack Pull-ups
Unweighted Rack Pull-ups
Leg in front Rack Pull-ups (no elevation)
Foot-Assisted Pull-ups

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B. Bentover DB Row

Build to ONE challenging set of 12-15 Reps
(close to failure; this will be used for a “cluster” approach next week).

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C. Banded Costal Press Around
(Costal = Lower chest = band coming from high to low when you press around)

FOR DELOAD WEEK
Establish a 12-15 Rep max band resistance for each arm
Start with a light/easy band and add to thicker band as able
Remember you can manipulate band tension by walking out more or less

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D. Alternate Movements x 2 sets each:
Approx 3 RIR on each set

DB Hang Power Clean x 8-12 Reps
Rest 1 min
Leaning DB Lateral Raises x 15-20 Reps per arm
Rest 1 min
Lying DB Tricep Extensions x 10-12 Reps
Rest 1 min
Banded Face Pulls x 15-20 Reps
Rest 1 min

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Day 3 – REST DAY

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Day 4 – Lower Body (Hamstring/Glute Dominant)
Part A and B repeat week to week. Track these metrics

A. Hip Banded BARBELL RDL or TRAP BAR RDL
(last cycle we did this with DB’s as part of a circuit sequence. Now we do it heavier with a barbell)

FOR DELOAD WEEK:
4 sets of 8-10 Reps
Increase weight each set
Final set should be a weight you *could* do 12-15 Reps (approx 4-5 RIR)

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B. Kas Glute Bridge to Hip Thrust Superset

FOR DELOAD WEEK:
3 supersets of designated reps
Increase weight each set
Final set about 2-3 RIR on both lifts

B1. Kas Glute Bridge x 8-12 Reps
NO REST to B2

B2. Barbell Hip Thrust x 4-8 Reps
*Same weight as Kas Glute Bridge
Rest 2-3 min back to B1

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C. “At Home” Leg Curl Variation of choice (options below)
This will not repeat precisely week to week, though we will generally have leg curl work

2 sets of 8-12 Reps (with approx. 3 RIR)

Hamstring Walkouts (scaled option)

Gliding Leg Curls (with Rings/TRX)
Gliding Leg Curls (with barbell)

Hamstring Curls on Rower
Slider Leg Curls (Slider = skateboard, towel, socks, etc…)

DB Leg Curls
Stability Ball Leg Curls
Rings/TRX Leg Curls
Banded Leg Curls

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D. Alternate Movements At the Top of Every Min x 12 Min (4 sets each)

Foam Roller/Slider DB Hack Squats x 6-10 Reps (15+ rep weight)
Burpee Toes to Bar (or Burpee Hanging Leg Raise) x 20 seconds for max reps (rest 40s)
Jump Rope (Double-unders OR Single-unders) x 30 seconds for max reps (rest 30s)

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Day 5 – Upper Body (Shoulder/Arm Dominant)
Part A and B repeat week to week. Track these metrics

A. Superset Movements:

FOR DELOAD WEEK:
3 supersets of designated reps
Increase weight/effort each set
Final set about 2-3 RIR on both lifts

A1. Seated Lateral Raise (no loss of tension at bottom) x 10-12 Reps
NO REST to A2

A2. Steep Incline Anterior Delt Press  x 6-10 Reps
Rest 2-3 min back to A1

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B. Alternate Movements:

FOR DELOAD WEEK:
3 sets of 10-12 Reps
Increase weight each set
Final set should be a weight you *could* do 12-15 Reps (approx 2-3 RIR)

B1. Single Arm DB Preacher Curl (downslope of bench)
Rest 1 min between arms and before B2

B2. Seated/Incline Overhead DB Tricep Extensions
Rest 1-2 min back to B1

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C. As Many Reps as Possible in 3 Minutes (Rest 3 min) x 3 sets:

20 Cal Row (~1:00-1:30 of cardio)
20 Inverted Rows
Max Reps Push-up variation in remaining time
(elevate hands to scale, or increase difficulty by using dynamic/clapping or a deficit)

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Day 6 – OPTIONAL Conditioning Day

Quick cardio session, then rest up and get ready for the official “Week 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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Day 7 – REST DAY

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