Thread: Do you think its necessary to change your split when starting cycle?

Everyone is different but I always try and mix up my workouts even week to week. The more you surprise your muscle the better.

Originally Posted by redz

Everyone is different but I always try and mix up my workouts even week to week. The more you surprise your muscle the better.

True, I've tried that and going into the gym week in week out doing just whatever for some reason just doesn't feel like I'm making progress. It's the more non-boring way definitely, but how can you see a progressive overload on exercises if you doing different ones each week.

I try an switch up my routine ever 4-6 weeks cycle or not, Keeping a few basic lifts always squats, deads, military press, flat bench
On cycle I'll stick to more 5x5 sets but even then I'll have a week where I'll go high reps Of 12-15.

Originally Posted by Dath

I try an switch up my routine ever 4-6 weeks cycle or not, Keeping a few basic lifts always squats, deads, military press, flat bench
On cycle I'll stick to more 5x5 sets but even then I'll have a week where I'll go high reps Of 12-15.

True I'll always keep certain exercises in my routine such as some certain compounds etc. I can't so much now for some because of my wrist, such as bench and military press, it seems to handle dumbbells better. But then again I can do BB rows fine for some reason.

IMO 4-6 weeks is a little short I like to try and use routine for anywhere from 8-15 weeks it could be. Probably a little long but muscles don't have brains to understand your changing routines. They react to the stress put on them regardless of the routine.

Originally Posted by LoveToLiftBig

Do any of you think its necessary to change your routine at the start of a cycle?

Even if you've only been using the routine for say 8-10 weeks?
Or perhaps just up the volume & weight and stick to the same?

It is better to plan these periods of training assisted and nonassisted so they work together. In other words, one block of training sets the next block of training so delayed training effects are maximized. An example would be doing a GPP phase without gear and transitioning into a more specific, targeted training cycle with gear. I have found I have to do alot of conditioning connective tissue to withstand the magnitude increases later on.

If you decide to keep the same routine you might increase the training frequency while managing fatigue and undulate the volume and magnitude.

Originally Posted by poohiron

It is better to plan these periods of training assisted and nonassisted so they work together. In other words, one block of training sets the next block of training so delayed training effects are maximized. An example would be doing a GPP phase without gear and transitioning into a more specific, targeted training cycle with gear. I have found I have to do alot of conditioning connective tissue to withstand the magnitude increases later on.

If you decide to keep the same routine you might increase the training frequency while managing fatigue and undulate the volume and magnitude.

Theres a few things I don't understand here sorry lol.

First is what do you mean by "periods of training assisted and nonassisted so they work together", as in assisted being using gear, non-assisted - not using gear right?

Secondly what is a GPP?


Yeah like if I keep the same perhaps just add in another exercise with 3-4 more sets and train more often?

Originally Posted by LoveToLiftBig

Theres a few things I don't understand here sorry lol.

First is what do you mean by "periods of training assisted and nonassisted so they work together", as in assisted being using gear, non-assisted - not using gear right?

Secondly what is a GPP?


Yeah like if I keep the same perhaps just add in another exercise with 3-4 more sets and train more often?

Yes with gear and without. GPP is general physical preparation. This is where average overall work capacity is increased and connective tissue is conditioned for the training loads ahead.

You could do as you said and add another exercise or change the exercise complex totally. Change is good. Train as often as you can for your recuperative ability.

Originally Posted by poohiron

Yes with gear and without. GPP is general physical preparation. This is where average overall work capacity is increased and connective tissue is conditioned for the training loads ahead.

You could do as you said and add another exercise or change the exercise complex totally. Change is good. Train as often as you can for your recuperative ability.

Yeah I've actually decided to use this pull/push/legs routine to try regain some of my strength which is this Classic Push/Pull/Legs Split : old school trainer and then I'm going to switch over to FST-7 FST-7 when my gear hopefully arrives.

Would you then switch up your routine again for pct?

I always alter my on cycle routine to include more volume. Then when I hit PCT I go back to a lower volume to help recovery.

Originally Posted by SloppyJ

I always alter my on cycle routine to include more volume. Then when I hit PCT I go back to a lower volume to help recovery.

Yeah thats what I'm thinking, include more volume and more training frequency.

I always would drop weight and do higher reps when on cycle.

I never do the same routine.I always change it every week from reps to exercises.

Originally Posted by GeorgeForemanRules

I always would drop weight and do higher reps when on cycle.

Drop the weight while cycling? Why the fuck would you do that? I like to increase the weight. Infact increase everything; weight, frequency volume, etc.

Originally Posted by aminoman74

I never do the same routine.I always change it every week from reps to exercises.

I dunno I've tried this the last few months and I have to say I'm not a huge fan of it. I like to see progress and with these types of splits i can't see progress on certain lifts if I'm changing them every week

Originally Posted by LoveToLiftBig

Drop the weight while cycling? Why the fuck would you do that? I like to increase the weight. Infact increase everything; weight, frequency volume, etc.

Not literally, more of doing higher reps. For example, if I can bench 365 for sets of 6 natty, on cycle I would do sets of 10 or 12 with what ever weight works, so probably 405 for sets of 10.