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
Change Up

Change Up

Westside Barbell 1 minute read

Conjugate Method | Louie Simmons | Exercise Programming | Strength Training Methods

Yes we have a battle rope, but more likely than not our athletes are using the battle chain. We got this 42' long tow chain from our local Home Depot.No...

More Glutes!

More Glutes!

Westside Barbell 1 minute read

Conjugate Method | Louie Simmons | Exercise Programming | Strength Training Methods

Glutes Lagging?...Using the ATP or a Banded Belt Squat Set-up perform this complex for 3 minutes straight:Sumo Push Throughs x10-squeezing and releasing the...

Taking a Percentage

Taking a Percentage

Westside Barbell 1 minute read

Conjugate Method | Louie Simmons | Exercise Programming | Strength Training Methods

FAQs"I see in the newsletter you guys are running 5's now as opposed to 2's. My question is what caused the shift?" We've found by keeping to a 3 week wave...

Never Ever

Never Ever

Westside Barbell 1 minute read

Conjugate Method | Louie Simmons | Exercise Programming | Strength Training Methods

"Louie Simmons NEVER walked into the gym."-Louie SimmonsWhen it comes time to train, TRAIN. You've gone to the gym to work, not socialize.

Boarding

Boarding

Westside Barbell 1 minute read

Conjugate Method | Louie Simmons | Exercise Programming | Strength Training Methods

One of the easiest (and cheapest) ways to increase the lockout portion of the bench is to employ the board press.With a simple trip to your local...

Episode 39 - Louie Talks with Nick Showman

Episode 39 - Louie Talks with Nick Showman

Westside Barbell 0 minute read

Conjugate Method | Louie Simmons | Exercise Programming | Strength Training Methods

Top Shelf

Top Shelf

Westside Barbell 1 minute read

Conjugate Method | Louie Simmons | Exercise Programming | Strength Training Methods

High Incline Bench 1RM-moderate grip-we like an ~60º inclineHigh Incline Pause Bench 3x4-same setup as the 1RM-1sec pause at bottomUpright Williams...

Heavy Legs

Heavy Legs

Westside Barbell 1 minute read

Conjugate Method | Louie Simmons | Exercise Programming | Strength Training Methods

Bow Bar Box Squat 1RM-1 chain per side (per 100lbs of straight bar 1RM)-front bands (attached at a 45º angle)-parallel box (2" below if raw...

Dumbbells for Triceps

Dumbbells for Triceps

Westside Barbell 1 minute read

Conjugate Method | Louie Simmons | Exercise Programming | Strength Training Methods

If you are a fan of dumbbells keep in mind today to not be afraid of using them in different positions. Keeping all 4 heads connected (pictured above)...