STRENGTH BLOCK: DECEMBER 2020 - GREYSKULL LINEAR PERIODIZATION

INTENSIFICATION VS ACCUMULATION.
As a reminder, we have 2 central training themes that we rotate between in during our strength block programming:
(1) Intensification: Power, Strength, Speed and Explosiveness
(2) Accumulation: Volume, Body Composition and Work Capacity (Endurance)
You get both strength and conditioning in both training themes. But we design our training this way because it's more sustainable and smarter.

GREYSKULL LP.
The theme of December's strength block is Greyskull LP (GSLP). This program is famous for its effectiveness at building strength and size rapidly. But what exactly makes it one of the best beginner weight lifting / power lifting programs? The answer lies in the name: "LP" aka LINEAR PERIODIZATION.


WHAT IS LINEAR PERIODIZATION?
Periodization actually comes in two distinct flavors: Linear periodization and Non-Linear periodization. Linear periodization prefers to a progression scheme in which you're progressing from week to week simply by adjusting training variables, which include load, volume, relative intensity, perceived intensity (RPE), and a host of others, to achieve the desired effect.


HISTORY OF GREYSKULL LP.
Developed by John Sheaffer, who also goes by the name Johnny Pain, Greyskull LP is considered one of the best linear progression programs available. It has several unique factors that make it stand out among alternatives like Starting Strength and StrongLifts 5x5, which we have used during previous Strength Blocks.
Greyskull LP was formed after Sheaffer completed Starting Strength and found himself quite dissatisfied with the results. His complaints were not unique, as many feel Starting Strength does not do "enough" towards muscle growth and hypertrophy and leaves too much progress on the table.


HOW DOES GREYSKULL LP WORK?
The base for the plan is actually pretty simple. Squats are performed twice per week, Trap Bar Deadlifts one time per week. Bench Press and Overhead Press are alternated. Chin-Ups and Barbell Rows are alternated too.

This provides the foundation for muscle and strength growth to be developed. A core tenant of the program, which each workout more weight NEEDS to be added. Here are the weight increase increments:
 Bench Press and Overhead Press - 2.5 pounds
Squats and Deadlifts - 5 pounds


DAY A:
Overhead Press / Bench Press (Alternating)
2x5, 1x5 + AMRAP
Chin-ups / Barbell Bentover Rows (Alternating)
2x5, 1x5 + 
Barbell Back Squats
2x5, 1x5 + 


Day B:
Overhead Press / Bench Press (Alternating)
2x5, 1x5 + AMRAP
Chin-ups / Barbell Bentover Rows (Alternating)
2x5, 1x5 + 
Trap Bar Deadlifts
2x5, 1x5 + 


Day C:
Overhead Press / Bench Press (Alternating)
2x5, 1x5 + AMRAP
Chin-ups / Barbell Bentover Rows (Alternating)
2x5, 1x5 + 
Barbell Back Squats
2x5, 1x5 + 


Rules:
Last set is As Many Reps As Possible (AMRAP).
Progress with 2.5lbs for upper body exercises, 5lbs for lower body exercises.
If final AMRAP set hits 18+ reps, double weight increase 2.5lbs to 5lbs, 5lbs to 10lbs.
If you cannot perform a proper chin-up, do not use band assistance. Perform negative reps.
If you fail to make 5 reps in the final set, deload by 10%.


ACCESSORY WORK?
Although it is not necessary to do to see results with this Strength Block. We will be incorporating accessories to accelerate progress towards any number of different goals. While this sounds complicated, there are simply additional accessory movements and other types of training added on top, aka Conditioning and Arm Farm.
We will be incorporating 2-3 accessory exercises per workout.