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
Starting Conjugate: Three Keys to Successful Dynamic Effort Training

Starting Conjugate: Three Keys to Successful Dynamic Effort Training

Burley Hawk January 7th, 2026 7 minute read

Conjugate Method | Dynamic Effort Method

The dynamic effort method is a training method utilized with the Conjugate Training System that focuses on improving an athlete’s rate of force...

Basic Conjugate Training Advice XVII

Basic Conjugate Training Advice XVII

Burley Hawk December 29th, 2025 5 minute read

Conjugate Method | Strength Training Methods

The Conjugate System is a training system capable of addressing and improving all aspects of strength and conditioning. No matter the athlete, the sport,...

Conjugate for Athletes: Dynamic Effort Squat Training

Conjugate for Athletes: Dynamic Effort Squat Training

Burley Hawk December 22nd, 2025 8 minute read

Conjugate Method | Athletes | Dynamic Effort Method

The dynamic effort method is one of the three primary strength-training methods used in the Conjugate System. This method focuses on improving an...

So You Want to Be a Strength Coach

So You Want to Be a Strength Coach

Tom Barry December 18th, 2025 6 minute read

Over the past year, we’ve had the privilege of meeting many young, aspiring strength and conditioning coaches who’ve come through Westside Barbell. It’s...

Conjugate for Athletes: Introduction to Maximal Effort

Conjugate for Athletes: Introduction to Maximal Effort

Burley Hawk December 13th, 2025 7 minute read

Conjugate Method | Athletes | Maximal Effort Method

The Conjugate Method uses three strength-training methods: maximal, dynamic, and repeated effort. Combining these methods allows athletes to address and...

Conjugate for Athletes: Rotating Accessory Exercises

Conjugate for Athletes: Rotating Accessory Exercises

Burley Hawk December 8th, 2025 7 minute read

Conjugate Method | Athletes

The Conjugate Method training structure seeks to consistently improve multiple strengths and athletic traits simultaneously. This is tremendously...

Conjugate for Athletes: Combined Dynamic Effort

Conjugate for Athletes: Combined Dynamic Effort

Burley Hawk November 29th, 2025 6 minute read

Conjugate Method | Strength Training for Sports

The combined dynamic effort training day is a modification to the standard Westside Barbell Conjugate Method training schedule used when working with...

What Your Support Actually Builds

What Your Support Actually Builds

Tom Barry November 28th, 2025 3 minute read

Westside Barbell is more than a gym; it is a standard. It is a living laboratory where the limits of human potential are tested, broken, and reset. Louie...

Conjugate for Athletes: Basic Training Strategy

Conjugate for Athletes: Basic Training Strategy

Burley Hawk November 19th, 2025 6 minute read

Conjugate Method | Athletes | Strength Training Methods

The Westside Barbell Conjugate System is a training system capable of addressing and improving all sport-relevant strengths and traits for all athletes....