The Juggernaut Method

I forgot to mention in yesterday’s Good Reads one really good read: “The Juggernaut Method” by Chad Wesley Smith. It is a strength training system aimed at (advanced) intermediate level lifters that is basically ‘improved’ (if I dare to say it ) Jim Wendler’s 5/3/1 system, that also utilize some elements of Block Periodization (only when it comes to third level of planning – loading: accumulation, intensification, realization) and most importantly AMRAP (As Much Reps As Possible) tests (in Realization week) to gauge new working max (that all percentages are based upon) compared to Wendlers +5kg for lower body and +2,5kg for upper body lifts. Something like APRE, but way better. The Juggernaut routine gave me couple of neat tricks regarding programming of the strength training and I suggest to check this book ASAP.

I have been on the simple 3×5 for beginners (and broken) for about two months with erratic training frequency (sometimes 2, sometimes 3 full body sessions a week) and now I plan switching to Upper-Lower 3x/week since I plan doing more conditioning and maybe joining MMA classes at Kaizen MMA club. Thus, I designed the following routine utilizing ideas from The Juggernaut Training Method.

The lifts in yellow are main lifts that are programmed utilizing Juggernaut workout. The lifts in Blue are power/explosive lifts. Everything else is assistance done for 2-3 sets of 5-10 reps.

I am going to try this to see how it goes. I will probably tweak something as I go, so don’t take this as written in stone. Anyway, is my bench press calculated utilizing Juggernaut training method. Please note that I choose 5s Wave for Upper Body and 3s Wave for lower body (when you get the book it is going to be clear what the hell am I talking about). Don’t make fun of my lifts, even if they are in kg 🙂

Till next time… read the The Juggernaut Method.