Fatigue and Stress

Training Q&A [Moderated]
1

I have a question about fatigue and stress. SS linear progression ends because the stress induced by intensity is no longer sufficient to drive adaptation. Is there is a categorical difference between volume stress and intensity stress? It’s not enough to apply stress, but the correct kind of stress needs to be applied to force the lifter to adapt. Is my understanding correct?

The absolute intensity of the volume in the Bridge seems to be controlled by not only RPE but also by introducing variants like adding a pause or by going beltless. While these variants limit the weight on the bar, they make the movement harder than the regular exercise done with a belt and without a pause at the same weight. I might not be using the terminology correct, but it seems like the program is designed to produce ‘fatiguing’ type volume while limiting the volume’s stress. Am I on the right track?

I’m trying to understand the reason for introducing the variants when one could just do the primary lift for more volume with less intensity.

2

It ends because the stress induced by the workout does not cause the adaptation required by the next workout. Our feeling on the matter is that the stress being applied to the lifter is incorrect for the adaptation demanded 48 hours later. Is it too much stress? We don’t think so, as this line of thinking would cause someone to reduce training stress in order to improve subsequent adaptations (this doesn’t work).

Is the stress too little? On balance, yes- the stress is not enough to produce the required adaptation. The other end of this I keep referring to is the “required adaptation”, which is the subject for another post. In short, more stress (that is correctly applied) is needed to produce the adaptation.

I don’t think I would use the term “categorical difference” here. Volume can only be discussed at certain intensities and intensities can only be discussed at certain volumes. If you’re asking, “Is all stress created and dealt with equally?” then the answer is no.