I’m a few weeks away from being done with Jim’s Building the Monolith program. I’ve never run any of your programs before and want to run one after I am done with this one. I REALLY like the look of the “Simple Guaranteed Strength and Size” program. It fits well with how I like to lift (little variation and pushing the main lifts). I just want to make sure I understand how to do this. I have a few questions:
Can the Front squat be changed out for split squats or will the front squat be better for this program? I know you had zerchers listed in the article.
How many sets/reps do I do the Front Squat/RDL or BB Row/Chin-Ups for? I think in the article you mention 6-12 reps. How many sets?
Can this program be run for more than the 12 weeks listed?
Any advice you would give for someone attempting to run this program?
Does this layout look correct? I used the / to differentiate the different phases. I decided to put the Military press first because I focus more on that than benching.
Last question, but on the work sets for this program do you prefer using straight sets or continuing to ramp up to a top set?
MONDAY
Back squat - 3x8 / 3x5 / 3x3 / 54321
Deadlift - 3x8 / 3x5 / 3x3 / 54321
Front Squat, RDL, Farmers Walk
I used walking DB lunge instead of front squats and I’ve still done very well. It may not be ideal but I’m using this to come back from hip surgery and I needed some iso lateral work as well as a way to control hip flexion. I’ve switched those to reverse lunges for the last 6 weeks.
I swapped power cleans for RDLs for the last 6 weeks.
I’ve also failed to get the distance on farmer’s walks due to a lack of space at the gym.
I’ve really enjoyed this program. I’ll try to remember to give a thorough review once I finish.
Thanks man that’s what I was thinking! Damn that’s a lot of work on a few lifts lol. Definitely going to try this after doing BTM. Please do a write up so we can all see it for sure!