C.S. Sloan's Integral Strength

An Essay on HFT Ideas for Achieving Your Physique Goals      In my recent article High-Volume, High-Frequency Workouts for Quick Mass Gains , I outlined a training routine that uses high volume as the primary training variable with high frequency the 2nd.  For anyone who likes to train with a lot of volume and particularly loves getting a “pump” while training, I would suggest giving that regimen a chance, especially if you’re new to training with both high volume and frequency and aren’t quite sure where to even start with high-frequency training (HFT).  In this essay, however, I want to present some different ideas for other ways that you might utilize HFT, notably if you like the idea of experimenting with new and/or different training strategies that you haven’t utilized before.  If you’re new to training, you probably need to get on a more detailed, regimented program, one where you don’t have to put a whole lot of thought into your workout...

The Principle for Programming High-Frequency Workouts      I know that I’m probably beating the proverbial dead horse here, seeing as how I have gone on more than a few rants on the subject, but the main problem, as I see it, in modern training circles is the all or nothing mentality .  The training culture in America—I have the distinct feeling that it’s no different for my international readers—is one where we think a workout is “good” if it exhausts or fatigues you.  If you’re lying in a pool of sweat once the workout is finished, and the next day your muscles are sore to the bone, then, by God, it must have been an effective training session.  Unfortunately, it just doesn’t work that way.  And if you’re chasing strength and power along with muscle mass, that method will fail you.       “If you want pain, learn Muay Thai. If you want to learn about failure, play golf. If you want to vomit, drink a syrup of ipecac...

The Most Impactful Changes You Can Make to Your Training for More Size and/or Strength      I received a question from a reader yesterday, and, after responding to it, thought it would be good to share here, and, essentially, use my response for this essay.  So, the question from “Alan S.” goes something like this (edited slightly by yours truly): “I was wondering what the biggest ‘game changers’ are that you have used over the years?  By this, I mean what things have you added to your training that made the most improvements to your physique and your strength?  Or what things have you added to the programs of lifters you have trained that made the most difference in their size and strength?”  (Emphasis added is mine.)      At first, I thought about just rattling off to Alan what I call the “Big 4,” but I figured he had read enough of my programs and/or articles—his question was even more in-depth, but I removed any...