Periodization, programming and goals.

[Chris C]

Just wanted to see what everyone was using concerning periodization and how they were implementing them to reach there goals. My immediate goal is to Olympic squat 405 ~185. Last time I maxed was about a month ago at 315x2 and probably could have done more. Just did it to feel some heavy weights on my shoulder. Right now, I'm using primarily the ladder method and cybernetic periodization. When I reach my goal, then I think I will go with the undulating method. Questions and comments are very much appreciated.

[Cynic]

I think mine is rather simple, because I've never heard of the ladder method, much less cybernetic. I do half my workouts at 4x6 and the other half at 8x3 with a 25% increase on weight over the 4x6 baseline, switch it around for the second time in the week. I switch out half the exercises each month, so all exercises last two months, but each month a new half comes in to keep it fresh in my mind and work different muscles.

I'd say it's primarily general fitness, but I've increased my deadlift 75lbs since I started Sept 9, 2005 and hope to break 250 or even 260 by my first anniversary. The 260 would mean I doubled my load in a year's time.