PPL - How Much Push Is Too Much Push?

Paul,

First post on T Nation, good to be around like minded people who want to kick ass. My question involves Push/Pull/Leg routine, specifically the push part. My current focus is strength with a goal of a 225 Bench, 315 Squat, 365 Deadlift and 155 OHP by the end of the year. Current 1rm (as of September 2019) are 185 Bench, 285 Squat, 315 Dead and 135 OHP. My current Push day includes Flat Barbell Bench (following Matt Krocs 16 week program), 1 all out Rest/Pause set of OHP, Flat Dumbell Bench to really stretch the pec, Z press for core stability/pure shoulder strength, Incline bench for the upper chest strength to help with the OHP, DB OHP for overhead shoulder stability and overall strength and then some heavy CG Bench to assist with my Bench strength. All following 3x8 w/ the CG Bench at 4x8. I then finish with Waiter walks for more overhead stability and core strength.

So my question is am I “pushing” too much? I notice that the further I get into my workout how exhausted the front of my shoulders are, especially when I get to the CG bench. Should I sub some exercises like Flies in the place of Incline Bench? Maybe a decrease on volume? I do PPL 5 times a week so it is 3 workouts every 2 weeks at roughly 600 reps total per group. I’m 21, 205 lbs and a young gun, but also I want to meet my goals since I’m relatively weak. I’ve read your article on designing your own program numerous times and how out of 3 factors (frequency, intensity and volume) to maximize 2. Guess I feel like I may be maximizing all 3, and the most important one to me is frequency because the gym is my therapy. If I am being a pussy just say the word. Thank you.

Wait…

So you’re doing…

Flat barbell bench -
Overhead Press -
Db flat bench -
Z Press -
Incline Press -
Close Grip Bench Press -
Waiter Walks -

And you have to actually ask if that’s too much?

You can rotate Z press and overhead press. One on one week, and one on the next. But not in the same f’n session.

Close grips and regular bench can build each other but you don’t need em both in the same session, goober.

Basically what you have here, is about three sessions worth of pressing all rolled into one, which is pretty stupid and redundant. Sorry, that’s just how I talk.

A much better idea?

Session 1 -
Bench Press
Overhead Press
Face Pull / Rear Delts

Session 2 -
Incline Press -
Close Grips -
Side Delts - laterals of some sort

Session 3 -
Db Bench Press -
Z Press -
Front Raises -

There. Do that.

1 Like

I appreciate the feedback sir. Don’t apologize for being blunt, the world needs more of that. I will go right ahead with implementing your strategy. Thank you for your availability to all of us noobs.