Escalating Density Training - Sample Workout
Posted: Sun Mar 01, 2009 5:39 am
In the same vein as Strossen's 20 rep squat program, I offer Charles Staley's standard EDT template here:
How it works:
Alternate antagonistic muscle exercises in short sets in a specified time period. Staley's generally uses 15-20 minutes, (called a PR Zone). You will perform two PR Zones per workout.
Your weight choice is one that you can do 10 clean reps with. You will begin with alternating sets of 5 or 6. As you tire, you may reduce set reps to 4 then 2 and end the PR Zone with with singles.
Your goal is to do as many reps with good form as possible in the PR Zone. Do not work to, or near failure in the early sets. You may reach failure at the end as you try to beat your previous record.
After you are able to do 20% more reps than your original workout, increase the load by 5% and begin again.
The Workout:
Monday- Lats & Triceps
PR Zone 1
A- Chin Ups
B- Lying EZ Bar triceps extensions
PR Zone 2
C- Seated Rows
D- Reverse grip tricep pushdowns
Tuesday- Legs/Core
PR Zone 1
A- Back Extensions
B- Swiss Ball Crunches
PR Zone 2
C- Leg Extensions
D- Leg Curls
Thursday- Pecs/Biceps
PR Zone 1
A- Bench Press
B- Low Cable Curls
PR Zone 2
C- Hammer Incline Presses
D- Preacher Hammer Curls
Friday- Legs/Core
Pr Zone 1
A- Alternating Lunges
B- Sit Ups
PR Zone 2
C- Seated Calf Raises
D- Weighted crunches
You'll note the exercises lean toward more toward isolation movements with some performed on machines vs. free weights. EDT requires a faster pace than most, with the focus on force feeding the muscle more and more work. You CAN substitute compound free weight movements (dips, chins, squats, deadlifts etc.) but the chance of form breakdown/injury is higher. Still, it is an EXCELLENT template to use and has a very high success rate when properly executed.
The M-T-Th-F frequency recommendation is the flaw in my eyes. As you lift more from week to week and workout to workout the demands on your body grow. Consequently, it takes you longer to recover workout to workout and that'll eventually catch up with you.
As an alternative, I'd suggest an every other day schedule to start, inserting an extra rest day each week until you're training just 2 days a week toward the end of your Feast Phase. Whatever frequency schedule you settle upon, know that Charles' work was a very valuable contribution. His book (and really the EDT DVD) package is the way to go and well worth the asking price.
How it works:
Alternate antagonistic muscle exercises in short sets in a specified time period. Staley's generally uses 15-20 minutes, (called a PR Zone). You will perform two PR Zones per workout.
Your weight choice is one that you can do 10 clean reps with. You will begin with alternating sets of 5 or 6. As you tire, you may reduce set reps to 4 then 2 and end the PR Zone with with singles.
Your goal is to do as many reps with good form as possible in the PR Zone. Do not work to, or near failure in the early sets. You may reach failure at the end as you try to beat your previous record.
After you are able to do 20% more reps than your original workout, increase the load by 5% and begin again.
The Workout:
Monday- Lats & Triceps
PR Zone 1
A- Chin Ups
B- Lying EZ Bar triceps extensions
PR Zone 2
C- Seated Rows
D- Reverse grip tricep pushdowns
Tuesday- Legs/Core
PR Zone 1
A- Back Extensions
B- Swiss Ball Crunches
PR Zone 2
C- Leg Extensions
D- Leg Curls
Thursday- Pecs/Biceps
PR Zone 1
A- Bench Press
B- Low Cable Curls
PR Zone 2
C- Hammer Incline Presses
D- Preacher Hammer Curls
Friday- Legs/Core
Pr Zone 1
A- Alternating Lunges
B- Sit Ups
PR Zone 2
C- Seated Calf Raises
D- Weighted crunches
You'll note the exercises lean toward more toward isolation movements with some performed on machines vs. free weights. EDT requires a faster pace than most, with the focus on force feeding the muscle more and more work. You CAN substitute compound free weight movements (dips, chins, squats, deadlifts etc.) but the chance of form breakdown/injury is higher. Still, it is an EXCELLENT template to use and has a very high success rate when properly executed.
The M-T-Th-F frequency recommendation is the flaw in my eyes. As you lift more from week to week and workout to workout the demands on your body grow. Consequently, it takes you longer to recover workout to workout and that'll eventually catch up with you.
As an alternative, I'd suggest an every other day schedule to start, inserting an extra rest day each week until you're training just 2 days a week toward the end of your Feast Phase. Whatever frequency schedule you settle upon, know that Charles' work was a very valuable contribution. His book (and really the EDT DVD) package is the way to go and well worth the asking price.