Overload System for Strength, The

Strength training used to be simple. Before performance-enhancing drugs muddied the waters and social media fed us new, “ground-breaking” exercises on a weekly basis, people simply focused on lifting the heaviest weights possible to build strength.

The Overload System for Strength reintroduces this time-tested, proven approach to achieving strength gains in the shortest time possible. Influenced by legends in the field of strength and conditioning, you will learn the progressive range of motion and neurological carryover training methods from Paul Anderson; supramaximal partial lifts espoused by Bob Peoples, Anthony Ditillo, and Harry Paschall; functional isometrics promoted by Bob Hoffman; and eccentric overloads. Through decades of sweat and effort, these methods have been proven to have the strongest effect on maximizing the nervous system’s capacity to increase force production.

In The Overload System for Strength you’ll find the following:

• Ten advanced methods to increase strength, including progressive range of motion, heavy partials, and functional isometrics
• Detailed technical instruction for six main lifts that promote large strength gains
• Frequency, split, and specialization options to fit your preferences, goals, and schedule

Written by Christian Thibaudeau, a renowned strength and conditioning coach who has trained Olympic athletes and CrossFit Games competitors, and Tom Sheppard, a strength coach and author who works with Thibarmy, EliteFTS, and T-Nation, The Overload System for Strength brings the methods of legends into the modern era and teaches you how to  realize your strength potential.

Skip the gimmicks and fads; use the training that has provided results for decades. The Overload System for Strength is your time-tested, proven guidebook to unlocking the strength gains you have been looking for.

Earn continuing education credits/units! A continuing education exam that uses this book is also available. It may be purchased separately or as part of a package that includes both the book and exam.

Audience

Intermediate to advanced lifters who are looking to rapidly increase strength and gain muscle mass.

Chapter 1. The Overload System Methods
Chapter 2. Science and Application of the Overload System
Chapter 3. The Overload System Foundational Exercises
Chapter 4. Deadlift
Chapter 5. Squat
Chapter 6. Military Press
Chapter 7. Bench Press
Chapter 8. Pendlay Row
Chapter 9. Explosive Pull
Chapter 10. Assistance Exercises
Chapter 11. The Overload System Programming
Chapter 12. Training Program Design
Chapter 13. Specialization Training

Epilogue
Appendix: Strength Standards

Christian Thibaudeau is a strength and conditioning coach with over 22 years of experience. He has taught seminars in over 20 different countries and has worked with athletes in 28 sports at all levels—high school to professional and Olympic athletes—as well as the everyday lifter. His training has also led him to work with competitors in the CrossFit Games and the Mr. Olympia bodybuilding competition. An athlete himself, competing in football, rugby, golf, weightlifting, and bodybuilding, Thibaudeau is the author of several strength and conditioning books, including The Black Book of Training Secrets, Theory and Application of Modern Strength and Power Methods, High Threshold Muscle Building, and The Maximum Muscle Bible, in addition to multiple training DVDs. He earned his bachelor of science degree in exercise science from Quebec University, where he also worked as a research assistant before moving on to full-time coaching.

Tom Sheppard is head coach at Thibarmy and works with a wide variety of high-level athletes from all backgrounds. His philosophy is based on learning how to use the body as one integrated unit and optimizing athletes’ lifting mechanics based on their body type. This approach has brought him particular success in the sport of powerlifting, where he has produced countless British, European, and world champions and record holders. In addition to his role at Thibarmy, he also works closely with EliteFTS, creating educational material, working with high-level lifters to improve their performance, and delivering seminars on the international stage, including the 2022 SWIS Symposium.

How to Get Stronger
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Training Frequency and Split