Strength Training Articles

A resource for serious lifters and athletes seeking proven strength training methods. The Westside Barbell blog breaks down programming, exercise selection, recovery, and performance strategies built on decades of elite coaching experience of founder Louie Simmons and his dedicated team.

  • Strength Training Articles
Ally Kennedy’s Journey with Westside Barbell: Training for the 2024 Season

Ally Kennedy’s Journey with Westside Barbell: Training for the 2024 Season

Tom Barry 7 minute read

Athlete journey | Lacrosse

When Ally Kennedy joined Westside Barbell, she already had a strong foundation from her previous training. This solid base has helped her make steady and...

Executing a Repeated Effort Training Wave

Executing a Repeated Effort Training Wave

WSBB Education 6 minute read

Conjugate Method | Repeated Effort Method

The Conjugate Method uses three strength training methods to improve absolute strength, explosive power, and physical composition. These include the...

Training Insights from MMA Fighter Matt Brown

Training Insights from MMA Fighter Matt Brown

Tom Barry 8 minute read

Coaching | MMA

I've learned countless lessons over the years, but with Matt Brown announcing his retirement from MMA and transitioning to a new chapter in his life, I...

Four Week Max Effort PR Plan

Four Week Max Effort PR Plan

Burley Hawk 9 minute read

Conjugate Method | Exercise Programming | Maximal Effort Method

The maximal effort method is responsible for improving absolute strength and dictating dynamic effort training weights. When programming a Conjugate...

Basic Conjugate Training Advice VII

Basic Conjugate Training Advice VII

WSBB Education 7 minute read

Conjugate Method | Exercise Programming | Strength Training

The Conjugate Method is the most beneficial training method an athlete can use to improve strength, explosive power, speed, and conditioning. Similar to...

Starting Conjugate: Max Effort Myths

Starting Conjugate: Max Effort Myths

Burley Hawk 8 minute read

Conjugate Method | Absolute Strength | Maximal Effort Method

The maximal effort method is one of the two primary training methods used every week when executing a Conjugate Method training program. The intent of...

Strengthening the Adductors

Strengthening the Adductors

WSBB Education 8 minute read

Accessory Training | Exercise Programming | Strength Training

The hip adductors are a group of muscles that play a vital role in all sports. These muscles are primarily responsible for thigh adduction and gait...

Max Effort Advice for Athletes

Max Effort Advice for Athletes

Burley Hawk 9 minute read

Absolute Strength | Athletes | Maximal Effort Method

The maximal effort method is a strength training method used to improve absolute strength. At Westside Barbell, we utilize the max effort method twice...

Improving Work Capacity

Improving Work Capacity

Burley Hawk 8 minute read

Conjugate Method | Athletes | General Strength and Conditioning

Possessing the ability to perform a sport-related task for an extended period is crucial for all athletes. No matter the sport, athletes must be able to perform...