MAX Muscle Periodization by Dr. Brad Schoenfeld

:
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Principle of Individuality
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Training programs should be

developed with each individuals
goals and abilities in mind
The Role of Genetics
Twin studies show that up to 90% of the variance in baseline muscle mass and
approximately 60% of the variance in baseline muscle strength are hereditary
(Hand et al. 2007).
A lesser response of muscle phenotypes to resistance training appears to be

genetically influenced
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Responders vs. Non-Responders
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When performing a regimented resistance training program over the course

of 16 weeks, untrained subjects have highly divergent responses (Bamman et
al. 2007):
High responders (25%) CSA increase of ~50%
Moderate responders (50%) CSA increase of 20%
Low responders (25%) minimal to no gains
Role of Training Experience
Closer to genetic ceiling
Altered hormonal output
Greater capacity to recruit all fibers
Greater capacity to push to failure
Greater capacity to perform high volumes without overtraining
No learning curve (i.e. neural mechanisms)
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Key Point!
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There is no best training program,

only a best program for a given
individual
A Periodized Approach
Periodization: The systematic manipulation of exercise program variables

in an attempt to optimize a given fitness component.
Basis of periodization can be traced to Selyes General Adaptation

Syndrome (GAS) theory.
Body undergoes a tri-phasic response to stress: alarm, resistance, and

exhaustion.
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GAS Theory Illustrated
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Application to Periodization
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A properly structured periodized resistance training program maintains

performance in the resistance stage (i.e. supercompensation), maximizing
results while preventing the body from reaching a state of exhaustion (i.e.
systemic overtraining)
Genesis of Periodization
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Originally developed by Russian strength

coaches to prepare their athletes for
Olympic competition
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Linear Periodization Model
Traditional linear periodized program is divided into three

components:
Macrocycle: generally represents the entire training year,

but can vary from several months to up to four years.
Mesocycle: The macrocycle is subdivided into two or more

mesocycles that last from several weeks to several months.
Microcycle: Mesocycles are subdivided into microcycles of

one to four weeks, where periods of high volume and/or
intensity training are interspersed with brief periods of
unloading designed to restore and rejuvenate, and can
potentiate muscular supercompensation
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Linear Periodization Illustrated
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Non-Linear Approach
Rather than dividing training cycles over a period of months or years,

undulating periodization uses a non-linear model where variables are
manipulated over short time periods, generally on a week-to-week or even
session-to session basis (DUP).
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Non-Linear Periodization Illustrated
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MAX Muscle Periodization
Hybrid Approach
Similar to linear periodization, it includes three mesocycles: a MAX strength phase,

a MAX metabolic phase, and a MAX muscle phase.
Consistent with undulating periodization, it employs a technique called "block

periodization" where variables are manipulated on a weekly basis.
Step loading
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Step Loading Example

Hypertrophy Mesocycle
90
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
Week Week Week Week Week Week Week Week Week Week Week Week
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
Intensity
16
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Periodized Hypertrophy Macrocycle
Strength Mesocycle
Metabolic Mesocycle
~8 weeks
~4 weeks
~10 weeks
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Strength Cycle Variables
Intensity of load
Rest interval
4 sets per exercise
Recovery
3 minutes
Volume
1 to 5 reps (90+% 1RM)
48 hours between same muscle group, 3-4 days per week schedule
Modalities
Focus on multi-joint free weight movements
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Strength Mesocycle
8 week mesocycle with training segmented into two distinct

blocks.
Intensity varied in each block using a step-loading paradigm
4-5 reps week 1
2-3 reps week 2
5-3-1 week 3
Week 4 unload.
Training frequency progressively increased from 3 days/week

first block to 4 days/week second block
Addition of assistance exercises in Block 2
Total body routine first block, two-day upper/lower split

second block
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Metabolic Cycle Variables
Intensity of load
Rest interval
3 sets per exercise
Recovery
30 seconds or less
Volume
15 to 20 reps (50 to 60% 1RM)
48 hours between same muscle group,
Modalities
Focus on multi-joint, large muscle group exercises
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Metabolic Mesocycle
4 week mesocycle with training segmented into one block.
Use metabolic techniques to increase training density (circuit training, paired

set training, supercircuit training, etc).
Total body routine performed 3 days/week
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Hypertrophy Cycle Variables
Intensity of load
6 to 12 reps (65 to 85% 1RM)
Rest interval
60 to 90 seconds
Volume per session
6 to 12 sets per muscle group
Intensity of effort
Progressive overload with liberal use of training to failure
Recovery
48 hrs between same muscle group, 3-4 days per week schedule
Modalities
Employ a variety of multiple modalities
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10 week mesocycle with training segmented into three

distinct blocks that are structured to potentiate the ensuing
block.
Intensity varied in each block using a step-loading paradigm.

Creates a wave-like loading pattern where a progressive
increase in intensity is followed an unloading interval.
Training frequency progressively increased each block,

culminating with a shock phase in Block 3 that is intended to
bring about short-term overreaching
Split routine effective in maintaining total weekly training

volume with fewer sets performed per training session and
greater recovery afforded between sessions
Variation of exercises throughout mesocycle

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Exercise Variation: Applied Anatomy
Muscles can have varied attachments that provide

greater leverage for varying actions
Muscles are often subdivided into neuromuscular

compartments, each with its own distinct nerve branch
Trapezius subdivided into upper aspect (elevates scapula),

middle (adducts scapula) and lower (depresses scapula)
Biceps brachii, sartorius, gracilis, biceps femoris, and

semitendinosus are all compartmentalized by one or more
fibrous bands or inscriptions innervated by different
nerves
Muscles should be worked from multiple angles in

multiple planes of movement whenever possible
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Applied Anatomy: Training

Tactics
Training angle
Planes of movement
Make one muscle more or less active (only applicable for two-joint
muscles)
Multi-joint/single joint exercises
Recruitment changes in different planes of movement
Employ passive tension, active insufficiency
Fibers contract optimally when they are placed in direct

opposition to gravity along direction of fiber
Recruitment patterns different when more or less muscle

activated
Hand/foot spacing
Alterations in spacing can change line of pull

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Block 1 Training Protocol
Comprised of four, one-week microcycles training 3 days per week using

push/pull split
Week 1: 10-12 reps per set (employ supersets)
Week 2: 8-10 reps per set (employ drop sets)
Week 3: 6-8 per set (employ heavy negatives)
Week 4 (unloading): 15+ reps per set without going to failure
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Block 1 Schedule
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Comprised of four, one-week microcycles training 4 days per week using upper
body/lower body split.
Week 2: 8-10 reps per set (employ drop sets)
Week 4 (unloading): 15+ reps per set without going to failure
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Block 2 Schedule
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Comprised of two, one-week microcycles training 6 days per week using

shoulders-arms/torso/lower body split.
Recovery phase: After finishing this block, take one to two weeks off only
performing light activities (~50-60% of VO2 Max) on most days of the week
Hypertrophy will be maximized during this period
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Block 3 Schedule
86
84
82
80
78
Intensity
76
74
72
70
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Sample Hypertrophy Routine

Day One: Chest/Back/Abs
Exercise
Sets
Reps
Incline BB Press
6-12
Flat DB Press
6-12
Pec Deck
6-12
Lat Pulldown
6-12
Seated Row
6-12
Dumbbell Pullover
6-12
Cable Rope Crunch
6-12
Reverse Curl
6-12
DB
Side Bend
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6-12
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Day Two: Lower Body
Exercise
Sets
Reps
BB Front Squat
6-12
DB Lateral Lunge
6-12
Sissy Squat
6-12
Good Morning
6-12
Kneeling Hamstring Curl
6-12
Cable Abduction
6-12
One Legged Standing Calf Raise
6-12
Seated Calf Raise
6-12
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Day Three: Shoulders, Bis, Tris
Exercise
Sets
Reps
DB Shoulder Press
6-12
Cable Lateral Raise
6-12
Reverse Pec Deck Fly
6-12
BB Drag Curl
6-12
DB Prone Incline Curl
6-12
Overhead Triceps Extension
6-12
Triceps Pressdown
6-12
Triceps Dip
6-12
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Cardio and Muscle Growth
Benefits
Increased capillarization facilitates local muscular

recovery by enhancing nutrient delivery
Sensitizing effect on insulin function and increased

enzyme activity can aid in glycogen storage
Detriments
Combining cardio with resistance training can

compromise muscle growth (concurrent training
effect)
Chronic Interference Hypothesis
Postulates that trained muscles are unable to adapt optimally at the same
time morpholocially or metabolically to both strength and endurance training
(Mikkola et al. 2012)
Each type of training regimen activates and suppresses specific genes and signaling
pathways, and these pathways tend to interfere with one another.
Interference in strength development may also relate to overtraining

symptoms induced by a catabolic hormonal environment and chronic muscle
glycogen depletion resulting from excessive training volume
AMPK-PKB Switch
Atherton PJ, Babraj J, Smith K, Singh J, Rennie MJ, Wackerhage H. Selective activation of AMPK-PGC-1alpha or PKB-TSC2-mTOR signaling can
explain specific adaptive responses to endurance or resistance training-like electrical muscle stimulation. FASEB J. 2005 May;19(7):786-8
A Balancing Act
The key to ensuring that muscle is not

sacrificed in a concurrent training regimen
is to keep cardio intensity, duration, and
frequency in moderation.
Ultimate response depends on individual

recovery ability, the type and duration of
the aerobic training, and training
experience.
Err on the side of caution; Dont push it!
General Steady-State Guidelines
Duration: 30-45 minutes
Intensity: low to moderate (equating to approximately 60-70% of MHR or a 5-6

on the RPE scale)
Frequency: 4-5 days a week.
General HIIT Guidelines
Duration: 15-20 minutes
Intensity: high-intensity intervals at 8-9 RPE and low-intensity at 4-5 RPE
Work/rest ratio: ~1/1
Frequency: 3 days a week
Cardio Modalities
Running has been shown to be particularly

detrimental to strength/hypertrophy
gains (Wilson et al. 2012)
Cycling results in less interference
Proper Integration of Science and Art
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Training programs should be

The Role of Genetics

A lesser response of muscle phenotypes to resistance training appears to be

Responders vs. Non-Responders

When performing a regimented resistance training program over the course

High responders (25%) CSA increase of ~50%

Moderate responders (50%) CSA increase of 20%

Low responders (25%) minimal to no gains

Role of Training Experience

Closer to genetic ceiling

Altered hormonal output

Greater capacity to recruit all fibers

Greater capacity to push to failure

Greater capacity to perform high volumes without overtraining

No learning curve (i.e. neural mechanisms)

There is no best training program,

Periodization: The systematic manipulation of exercise program variables

Basis of periodization can be traced to Selyes General Adaptation

Body undergoes a tri-phasic response to stress: alarm, resistance, and

GAS Theory Illustrated

A properly structured periodized resistance training program maintains

Originally developed by Russian strength

Linear Periodization Model

Traditional linear periodized program is divided into three

Macrocycle: generally represents the entire training year,

Mesocycle: The macrocycle is subdivided into two or more

Microcycle: Mesocycles are subdivided into microcycles of

Linear Periodization Illustrated

Rather than dividing training cycles over a period of months or years,

Non-Linear Periodization Illustrated

MAX Muscle Periodization

Similar to linear periodization, it includes three mesocycles: a MAX strength phase,

Consistent with undulating periodization, it employs a technique called "block

Step Loading Example

Periodized Hypertrophy Macrocycle

Strength Cycle Variables

4 sets per exercise

1 to 5 reps (90+% 1RM)

Focus on multi-joint free weight movements

8 week mesocycle with training segmented into two distinct

Intensity varied in each block using a step-loading paradigm

4-5 reps week 1

2-3 reps week 2

Training frequency progressively increased from 3 days/week

Addition of assistance exercises in Block 2

Total body routine first block, two-day upper/lower split

Metabolic Cycle Variables

3 sets per exercise

15 to 20 reps (50 to 60% 1RM)

48 hours between same muscle group,

Focus on multi-joint, large muscle group exercises

4 week mesocycle with training segmented into one block.

Use metabolic techniques to increase training density (circuit training, paired

Total body routine performed 3 days/week

Hypertrophy Cycle Variables

10 week mesocycle with training segmented into three

Intensity varied in each block using a step-loading paradigm.

Training frequency progressively increased each block,

Split routine effective in maintaining total weekly training

Variation of exercises throughout mesocycle

Exercise Variation: Applied Anatomy

Muscles can have varied attachments that provide

Muscles are often subdivided into neuromuscular