general thoughts on 4-day splits?

[Euby]

I may be inferring things that I shouldn't, but I notice there are no 4-day upper/lower splits in the templates you guys release. Other than Jordan suggesting a 4-day upper/lower split at the end of his "Great Wide Open" article as a suggested program to follow, it seems to me you guys prefer full-body approaches. Even the 12 week strength template is geared this way over a 4-day week.

The question is, in general, do you guys use and/or recommend 4-day upper/lower splits with any degree of regularity? Most of the non-RPE SSC's seem to default to them as best as I can tell for intermediate trainees. Perhaps my observations are all faulty though.

[Jordan Feigenbaum]

Ask a more specific question por favor. It's impossible to answer hypothetical questions without assuming context. Also, I don't really love the pitting of us "RPE SSC's" vs "Non-RPE SSC's" against each other. We are all SSC's and that designation means a person can coach the barbell lifts and program for novices.

[Euby]

Ask a more specific question por favor. It's impossible to answer hypothetical questions without assuming context. Also, I don't really love the pitting of us "RPE SSC's" vs "Non-RPE SSC's" against each other. We are all SSC's and that designation means a person can coach the barbell lifts and program for novices.

Very fair point and my apologies for wording it like a grudge match. ;-), Certainly wasn't my intent at all. So hear goes again, perhaps with better wording.

Since there are no 4-day splits in the template packages, should I infer they aren't necessarily go-to programming options for you guys? Or for the more nuanced question, what is your thought on them in the context of general strength training for intermediates, particularly busy, middle-aged, career-driven, bacon-earning, offspring-raising, wife-pleasing ass-wipes like me? ;-)

[Jordan Feigenbaum]

Very fair point and my apologies for wording it like a grudge match. ;-), Certainly wasn't my intent at all. So hear goes again, perhaps with better wording.

Since there are no 4-day splits in the template packages, should I infer they aren't necessarily go-to programming options for you guys? Or for the more nuanced question, what is your thought on them in the context of general strength training for intermediates, particularly busy, middle-aged, career-driven, bacon-earning, offspring-raising, wife-pleasing ass-wipes like me? ;-)

It depends what you mean by 4 -day splits? We offer a 4-day/wk training template (the 12 week strength template) and use 4 days/wk all the time with our clients.

I think a 4 day split where exercise frequency and total volume are modulated appropriately can work just fine, of course. The devil is in the details, which is why there aren't any turn key "here is a 4 day split" we've put out. The one in PP is a good template if you're looking for a jumping off point too.