Great discussion! I have to disagree with the premise that all you need is progressive overload. As “exhibit A” I refer you to Myodynamics.com to check out the Joe Senate Project. This is the step-by-step training of a very experienced O.L. who was stale in his sport, simply from following the same routine year in and year out. It’s a great read and also gives good insight into how Staley thinks.
I don’t however believe in the “any change is good” philosophy that many of my- I hesitate to use the word- colleagues seem to follow. If you don’t have a specific reason for changing the program, you have no reason to change it- change for its own sake is not good.
No one is arguing against the use of progressive resistance. However, linear increases in resistance are not always the most effective. In addition, I don’t think anyone is arguing that a program just needs to be changed for the hell of it. As others have said, there is no such thing as a balanced program. Every program has positives and negatives with regard to training stimulus, injury potential, etc. Even with the apparently “balanced” program above, some muscles will likely respond differently than others, creating new “strengths” and “weaknesses.” Almost everyone has particular bodyparts that make relatively faster or slower gains in mass or strength. After evaluating these new strengths and weaknesses, one can counteract them by making appropriate program changes (even small ones).
Woah, how in the hell did I miss not getting in on this post. I occasionally try a new movement in my workouts, but stick with the basics for the most parts. Whenever somethign shows promise, I ride it until I don’t get the same “pump” off it, usually every 4-6 weeks or so. I think that change is neccesary in a psychological sense. As several T-peeps pointed out, it becomes mentally cumbersome for an individual to walk into their gym and do the same routine on a constant cycle. Even if muscle “memory” is a mere fantasy, keeping the mind fresh is an integral part of training. It increases both intensity and focus. Lata.
“MB Eric: Fighting the man like only a primate can since 1855.”