Alrighty I am posting my training log because it will reveal many of my sentiments and daily experiences with westside. See this thread for my comments on my last few days of testing my 1RM (Deadlifting one is now there).
http://forums.menshealth.com/thread.jsp?forum=1&thread=75665
Here are my thoughts to anyone who is considering contemplating Westside. If anyone decides to try this, I strongly suggest you read the following:
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The 8 keys part 1, 2, 3, 4 from t-mag, its a good beginner synpopsis of this training.
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Three threads from the t-mag powerlifting forum called Westside Questions (there are parts I, II, III). These are very long threads but very informative. Many questions are FAQ and some are very advanced and you can skip over them.
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go to www.elitefitnesssystems.com the home of westside, there are lots of good articles over there and alot more training logs.
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There are 3 very knowledgable powerlifting westsiders in the t-forums: bigmartin, goldberg, and Steve Coppola, they are insanely intelligent about westside and can help with just about anything you need or want to know about it.
Here are my results:
Starting:
5’10-11
198lbs
Squat: 275 Deadlift:235 Bench: 205
End:
5’10-11
213
Squat: 315 Deadlift:325 Bench: 235
Did I get a WS gut? No, eating controls that aspect. I gained a helluva lot of mass on my tris and hams especially along with general size on my shoulders, glutes, waist, etc. The strength gains speak for themselves. I reached my goals of reaching 315 for squat and/or deadlift and it worked out very nicely.
I think you need a strong foundation to begin with when you try this program because the volume can be pretty high and you may not handle the intensity (not trying to down anyone, its just very demanding physically and mentally). If you are proficient in basic lifts and supplemental lifts (tri extensions, back extensions, etc.) then I would definately reccomend this program if you want mass and/or strength.
The beauty of WS is that you can adapt it any way youd like, there is no “westside” program per se, if you look at the t-forums some guys have posted their logs and they are vastly different. Although I will need some guidance as to how to make one of these programs on my own, it will be fun learning.
You have to trust this program, the new style of benching and lack of dealifting and stuff made me think that my pecs were going to disintegrate, lats go to hell, and deadlift was going to be in limbo. You have to give this program the benefit of the doubt and make up for things you feel are necessary (i.e. I did rope chins for supplemental lat work and also to up my grip strength).
This program not only hepled me reach my goals, but also helped me learn more about my body, its capabilities, and how to better myself as a better lifter.
Rating: 10/10