Question on periodization

**Spaullba** · 02-09-2010, 04:31 PM

Hey everyone. I have a question about periodization. Most of what I have read has talked about periodizing your reps/sets every few weeks, months or whatever. However I have been doing something a bit different over the last four months with great results and I was wondering what you all think about it.

Instead of doing steady linear or alternating periodization I have used the same rep and set range for all of my upper body compound exercises for the last four months. I have been doing a set of 8, then 6, then 4 and then a burnout (I know some people feel strongly against burnouts, but I like them). I have increased the weight I rep with on the bb bench by about 80 lbs in this time, and my max by about 85 or 90. My other chest workouts (incline, decline, widegrip, close grip) have also seen significant improvement. Basically it has worked amazingly for me.

Has anyone else used this style of periodization? What do you all think about it versus traditional periodization?

**rockhardly** · 02-10-2010, 06:04 AM

Sounds like linear periodization using reverse pyramids. That is if you are increaseing the weight and decreasing the rep range with each set. If it is working for you tear it up. However, IMO, since you have been doing it for 4 months, I would deload for a week and start a new program before you plataeu.

**Gazhole** · 02-10-2010, 07:25 AM

I wouldn't say this was periodization per say, it sounds to me like you just changed what you were doing, and your body responded well to an unfamiliar training style. What were you doing before?

Periodization is a planned variation over the course of a program, rather than just changing to a different method of training.

Kudos on the gains, though dude! Good increases.

**Spaullba** · 02-10-2010, 07:45 AM

Originally Posted by Gazhole

Kudos on the gains, though dude! Good increases.

Thanks! I hadn't worked out for a couple years before this, so i wasn't doing anything =p. When I worked out then I did the same thing with similar results.

If it is working for you tear it up. However, IMO, since you have been doing it for 4 months, I would deload for a week and start a new program before you plataeu.

I took a week off about a month ago. Since then I have added five pounds to all of my major lifts every week. I figure I shouldn't change things up if I am still able to go up five pounds nearly every week (?). Perhaps once I go a few weeks without adding weight I will change it up for a couple months.

**rockhardly** · 02-10-2010, 10:03 AM

Originally Posted by Spaullba

I took a week off about a month ago. Since then I have added five pounds to all of my major lifts every week. I figure I shouldn't change things up if I am still able to go up five pounds nearly every week (?). Perhaps once I go a few weeks without adding weight I will change it up for a couple months.

Some would say that you should change your program before that point so that you continue with steady increases. None-the-less, progress can be measured a number of ways and if your happy, that is all that really matters. Keep up the good work.

**gtbmed** · 02-10-2010, 12:37 PM

I think it's ridiculous to change something that's working. If it stops working, then consider changing it. Until then, your body is obviously responding to what you're doing so there's no reason to change.

**PushAndPull** · 02-10-2010, 12:53 PM

Originally Posted by gtbmed

I think it's ridiculous to change something that's working. If it stops working, then consider changing it. Until then, your body is obviously responding to what you're doing so there's no reason to change.

Completely agree. Worry about a plateau when you hit one.

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