This isn't a topic to explain the set of techniques developed by Louie Simmons and his gym. I am actually looking to see what alternatives/critiques exist to the congujate method, periodizations that relate to it, etc

Source: http://www.westside-barbell.com/

I am a personal trainer and fitness instructor and I am branching out into life coaching, but (as some of you noticed when I poke around here) I am always trying to broaden my knowledge base and interests. I am not overly involved in powerlifting, and although I've done some of it (primarily when I was bodybuilding and playing football/rugby) I have never competed or really checked out the powerlifting world of know-how; hence, when I get powerlifting-specific questions from trainers or clients, I tend to send them to Westside.

What I am asking here is whether there exists a body of criticism "against" the Westside methods and also what alternatives may exist. Thanks for any input. (e: essentially I am broadening my resources and hopefully my own education)

This post was edited by RewtheBrave on Aug 25 2014 05:05pm

I'm giving this is 24h-ish bump in case it got missed and anyone has something to contribute.

Otherwise back to the books (for me),

ty

Controversial method.

I think if you compete in a very strict federation such as the USAPL or IPF it's IMHO a counter productive method. The squats are deeper, the pauses are longer, and the lockouts are more critical. Not to mention the bar path has to be even amongst other technicalities that will disqualify a lift.

For that reason, I believe performing the lifts with a straight bar, straight weight, and not off blocks, pins, or deficits is a priority over everything else. That's not to say specialty bars, accommodating resistance, and a manipulation of the ROM doesn't have its place, it does, but SPP is a priority; and the amount of work that strays from the core lifts will be dependent upon not only the deficiencies but genetic and biomechanical design of said trainee.

However, again IMO, the moreover lenient federations suit the "traditional" WSBB method better.

It is understood that WSBB is a mere template but my opinion is based on the unmodified version, that is, a constant rotation of squat bench and deadlift variations with 3 singles in the 90 percentile range on every ME day.

You don't see very many top level IPF competitors utilizing the conjugate method or GPA/SPF competitors benching 6-7x a week.

Fair enough, and that helps a bit, actually
Basically what I want is a way to balance any references to powerlifting.

As for the alternative training programs in powerlifting, is there a "leader" in the field? Or is it just pretty much common sense stuff designed to prep for comps?

This post was edited by RewtheBrave on Aug 26 2014 05:48pm

It's really individual based, and everyone is going to respond differently; literally.

You being a PT in a various aspects of fitness, I really like WSBB as a core template, two ME days and two DE based days. Instead of a heavy single reverse banded off a box it can be a max triple, or 2 sets of 2 reps, or 3 sets of 5 of a standard squat followed by back off sets then your accessories; or whatever.

That way, you can address your trainees weakness through a highly manipulative template.

You may also want to consider PMing 7 deadly sins or replying to his sticky. He works for WSBB and has actually trained at the compound.

Thanks I don't get powerlifting questions/clients often at all but I really wanted to get more info, partly in case I need to give referrals and partly to learn more. I'm also considering getting one or two of the wssb certs--(relatively) inexpensive but probably very fruitful.

+ I knew he was into that side of things but I didn't realized he went into their camp.