Aesthetics

Training Q&A [Moderated]
1

Hi y’all,

My major drive and desire to lift is for aesthetics. For someone who is chasing the classic aesthetic (Steve Reeves) look, how would you guys run the hypertrophy 2 or powerbuilding 2 program? The weighted chin up does a phenomenal job at building both the lats (for the v taper) and biceps. How would you program the weighted chin up into hypertrophy 2 or powerbuilding 2?

Thanks

2

JLF,

Thanks for the post and I hope you had a good holiday.

I’m not sure what you mean with your question about how we would run either of those templates, as the templates indicate the volume, rep, and exercise selection we’d recommend.

I would also strongly disagree that the weighted chin up builds the lats and biceps uniquely well compared to the fatigue it imparts. There are better options for both. In short, I would not preferentially program the weighted chin up unless I really wanted to develop a stronger chin up. Otherwise, I may rotate it in for a few weeks here in there. If you want to do it, that’s cool- but it’s not magical. Rows and curls >>>>>>>> weighted chin ups IMO.

-Jordan

3

Especially if they kill your elbows. As soon as I dumped them my elbow pain, that I was attributing to the low bar position, disappeared. Good to see verification they are not necessary.

4

I also don’t think they cause elbow pain.

5

Hi Jordan, I appreciate your time and reply.

I mentioned I like the weighted chin up because it targets and emphasizes the lats and biceps without developing the traps as much as rows do. Aesthetics are subjective and I like a greater emphasis on the lats relative to the traps. For the reasons you mentioned, would you like a low row (towards the belly button) more than a higher row towards the sternum? Thanks!

6

It doesn’t matter to me. I don’t think either works the traps that much.

7

I guess just coincidence then, thanks