I’m thinking about switching up my style of training, and I think going program to something like Best Damn for Strength would be a nice fit. I’ve never trained with high frequency and low volume. My question is: if I would like to use SGHPs as one of the main pulling lifts, which lift should I replace. I was thinking the Pendlay Row, but I’m open to a different one.
Well it could replace the Pendlay row, but it doesn’t really work the same muscles. The high pull is more of a traps/posterior chain exercise, a bit closer to the deadlift. But honestly, it’s a unique lift.
Yeah I know, it’s always been a great trap and hamstring builder for me, but I think they build my lats pretty well also. I’m pretty proficient in them and always keep the bar close. I guess I could replace the deadlift with it, but I’ve just always gotten more out of deadlifts and high pulls than barbell rows. I just figured that since there are already some chest supported t bar rows in the program, that could cover my rowing. I’ll figure it out, thank you for the response.
My question is : why don’t you do the program like its writen ?
It’s because I don’t get much out of barbell rows and don’t enjoy them, especially as a main movement. I like high pulls, and they’re a great muscle builder for me and help with my explosiveness. It’s not like I’m trying to take out squats, or something else that’s super important.
And honestly, I’d rather get extra explosive posterior chain work than Pendlay rows. High pulls build my entire posterior chain, entire traps, rear delts, and lats to some extent. People substitute exercises all the time. My main exercises and numbers are solid. SSB Squat approximate 1Ram= 475.
SgHP (from floor) 350
Bench: 385
Deadlift: 595
W chins 225 (+ 115)
Press :250
I think I’m advanced enough to make my own exercise decisions, I just wanted to get CT’s opinion. I’ve hit these numbers while lifting less than 3 years. If he doesn’t approve, I’ll just do a different program like Built for Battle with SSB squat, SGHP, press, bench or incline bench, and weighted chins.
Edit: lifting almost three years this go round but had a few years of off and on lifting before taking a 4 year break due to traveling internationally constantly for work.
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Yes it is perfectly fine. You pick the exercises that fit your goal. I have no problem with that.
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Cool thanks for the responses CT. I really appreciate everything you do and all the info and advice you put out. Keep up the great work and congrats on CT jr.