How you climb a mountain is more important than reaching the top. - Yvon Chouinard
Training is purpose driven: we know that how we do one thing is how we do everything. With this realization, we operate with poise and persistence. Our strength is built upon dedicated improvements in both our craft and the character it requires within us.
If the journey is the destination, we need only to maintain forward progress. Our satisfaction is the product of our desire multiplied by our work ethic. How beautiful is this resolve!? Plan the work. Work the plan. We are emboldened by this opportunity.
Training
February’s Program Design is oriented toward improved Military Press strength. We will train Weighted Pull Ups alongside OAOLPU (one arm one leg push ups) for high-tension loading. We then round out our sessions with classic Bodybuilding Pyramids.
I have programmed a rendition of Kettlebell AXE called ATG Sprints. During these sessions, athletes will perform anti-glycolitic Swings & One Arm Swings followed by a “sprint” of glycolytic Two Arm Swings. ATG Sprints build powerful conditioning.
A Note to Readers - StrengthAxis Program Design is reserved for PAID SUBSCRIBERS. The top section of this article is a preview of September's Program Design. There is a paywall separating the movements and their programmed volume and intensity. If you find value in my coaching expertise, please support me by becoming a paid subscriber.What’s New With Me
Knowing that my January schedule was chock full of appointments, I committed to a 0400 wake up time. The early hours helped me maintain my routine of reading & writing, physical fitness, and most importantly, spending time with my Diana.
I’m looking forward to a mid-month snowboarding trip back to Mammoth Mountain. For my training, I have been mixing Ben Patrick’s ATG programs alongside barbell, dumbbell and Variable Resistance Training. I have been riding my MTB twice weekly.
Review: Clench Carbon Bar - Use code VRT10 for 10% off Clench’s products.
I have been using my training to improve length/balance relationships in my body.
Diana and me atop a windy Black’s Beach in La Jolla, CA. This is one of our favorite coastal hikes because it offers a panoramic view of the La Jolla Cove to the south Dana Point to the north. A
t the bottom of the cliffs lies a famous nude beach LOL. I’m not into the nudity (mostly saggy old men), but Black’s highlights the stunning beauty of the bluffs, sand, ocean, and waves of California.
John Parker
January 27, 2025
StrengthAxis Program Design - February, 2025
Schedule
Warm Up
Training Session A & C
→Lunge Matrix 5+5/2, Clubbell Clockwork Squat 5+5/2
Tib Bar Raises: ~1/5 BW 20/2
Seated Calf Raise ~1/2 BW 20+20/2
Poliquin Step Up ~1/4 BW 20+20/2
ATG Split Squat ~1/4-1/3 BW 15+15/2
Nordic Curl (Negatives) BW 8/2
Training Session B & D
→Hang From Bar 60”/2, Clubbell Outside Cast 5+5/2
Band Pull Apart 20/2
Scapular Push Up 20/2
Kettlebell Arm Bar + Bent Arm 15”+15”/5+5/2
Powell Raise: 15+15/2
Goals
Power, Strength, Hypertrophy
Improve Military Press, Weighted Pull Up, One Arm Push Up/One Arm One Leg Push Up, plus Accessory Movements.
Clubbell Pairings (Optional): Outside Cast + Flag Press, Double Swipe
Optional Barbell Training - If desired, remove the A Block from each training session and substitute the 5/3/1 barbell lifts listed below.
ATG Sprints: One Arm Swing, Two Arm Swing
Nutrition
Preferred Method 2: Standard - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner + PWO Meal
a. Protein Intake = 1g of animal protein per ideal pounds of bodyweight.
Double Kettlebell Loading
ATG Sprints
During February’s ATG (Anti-Glycolytic) Sprints, athletes will perform a variation of the tried-and-true Kettlebell AXE protocol. They will finish the last 10:00 of their AXE session with a “sprint” of 10 reps OTM.
Here’s how it works:
In session one, the athlete will perform 6 one arm swings (alternating arms each minute) for the designated number of minutes. For the final 10 minutes, they will perform 10 two arm swings OTM using the same load kettlebell.
In session two, the athlete will perform 6 two arm swings for the designated number of minutes. For the final 10 minutes, they will perform 10 two arm swings OTM using the same load kettlebell.
