Chad Aichs on Russian Strength Programs

[BendtheBar]

Chad Aichs on Russian Strength Programs:

The next truth about strength training programs has to do with where they come from. I get so sick of people trying these complex Eastern Block or Russian programs like the Sheiko program. I don’t understand why people don’t think about where these programs came from and who they were designed for! Most of these complex programs were designed for athletes that were hand picked as little children to compete in strength sports.

[AdamF]

Chad Aichs also says you should be getting 100lbs from your belt on the box squat.

Not to say that he doesn't know what he is talking about because he is most definitely an accomplished elite powerlifter, but how can he say that he is sick of people trying Eastern Bloc programs like Sheiko and Smolov?

The programs that actually made it over here seem to be getting great reviews from people who lift raw/single-ply. They are certainly do able for the genetically average, it just seems to take a bit of dedication in the nutrition and rest department, not unlike any other high risk-high gain type program.

I feel like most of the programs that were personally designed for young genetically superior athletes, never even left the gym they trained at. Because they were tooled for one kid, and one kid only. The ones that actually made it out, probably did because they worked.

[BendtheBar]

I respect Chad, so I don't want my comments to be taken in any way as an attack on had Aichs...

I don't think I could get 20 pounds from a belt on box squats.

More than a few members here have run Sheiko or Smolov. I think advanced lifters can run them successfully, but they are like the "hand picked" individuals Chad referenced in the quote.

I personally still don't know if the Russian style systems are worth it for most, but I know that I've seen more than a few experienced lifters get a 20+ pound boost from them...

20 pounds is 20 pounds.

[AdamF]

Don't get me wrong, I have the utmost respect for elite lifters like Aichs who have been around the game for a long, long time.

But it does seem that many of these multi-ply type guys get kind of stuck in their own world of what works, and immediately discount anything that flies in the face of what they are doing.

Interview with Powerlifting World Record Contender Chad Aichs

In this interview, Aichs basically states he uses the westside method. If I am not mistaken, wasn't westide kind of born out of Louie adapting eastern bloc conjugate periodization?

So its ok to use one style of advanced russian periodization that relies on high intensity, but not one that relies on high volume?

I am not trying to start an argument, but I often see many powerlifters blindly subscribe to westide, and completely disregard anything different. There are many ways to skin the same cat.

[BendtheBar]

Originally Posted by AdamF

But it does seem that many of these multi-ply type guys get kind of stuck in their own world of what works, and immediately discount anything that flies in the face of what they are doing.

I would agree here. I've never lifted other than raw. I have nothing against geared lifting, I just can't afford it.

But I will say that anytime variables are added to lifting, such as AAS or training gear, some lifters who are successful begin to think that these methods will also work best for those that don't use AAS or training gear.

Bodybuilding is a perfect example of this...but I do think it's true in powerlifting to a certain extent. You don't hear very often..."Hey, is this best for non-AAS users, or is this best for non-gear training?"

[AdamF]

Originally Posted by BendtheBar

Bodybuilding is a perfect example of this...but I do think it's true in powerlifting to a certain extent. You don't hear very often..."Hey, is this best for non-AAS users, or is this best for non-gear training?"

Agreed 100%. I think this is because AAS is more accepted in the sport of powerlifting because most elites are "on". Especially when you have guys like Louie openly stating that he has cruised on AAS for like 37 years.

To me, it seems that guys who are "on" can handle the more intense style of training like Westside where you max out every week. This is not to say that no natural raw lifters haven't had success, but most who make it to the top using westside are using gear and AAS.

Raw and natural guys seem to need more work in the actual lifts themselves with more volume in the beginning that builds to PRs in programs like Sheiko, Smolov, Block Periodization, and even 5/3/1 where you go from 5s down to 1s and try for rep PRs not always 1RM PRs.