Question for those who have done Smolov?

[shootwillus]

I have completed the base meso-cycle. I have finished the switching phase. Tonight was the first day of the three day per week intense phase.

I programmed in the weight using http://www.joeskopec.com/smolov.html


Anyway, it felt horrible. I missed the last rep on the last set. This is the same weight that I did for 10 x 3 for my final workout on the base meso-cycle. Now doing 3 x 4 and a 1 x 5 is killing me. I feel a lot weaker after the switching phase.

So, my question is has this happened to anyone else? I remember the first day of smolov doing the 4x9 and thinking "this is going to kill me"...but, by week 2 I was basically numb to further squat induced pain (the magic of smolov). Is the intense phase the same way?

[Jarhead316]

Ironic, my first intense cycle day was hard, even though (as you mentioned) it was the same weight of the last '10x3' day.

Just a small disclaimer, I probably shouldn't have even done Smolov but anyways back to my point...

I dropped down the weight for the first week. My new max was 335, so I put in 330 in that same calculator. I couldn't perform the first work out so I bumped it down do '315' in the calculator, then after the first week it actually got easy so I actually added 5lbs a per WORKOUT until i was back at 330. That helped.

For me, I only added 15lb pounds after the intense phase, again, I shouldn't have done smolov. Cheers.

[shootwillus]

I think I should have only done a one week switching phase. By week number two of the switching phase my body "wanted" to squat again. I ignored it because the program says two weeks. Ah well, I am going to grind this out one way or another...either I get stronger or I die under the bar.

[Jarhead316]

I wanted to make a shirt that said "SMOLOV OR DIE!" when i was doing it. Its not like SS, or any LP program because Smolov is directed towards one goal, a big squat...all of your focus is driven to one point so the intensity is just tremendous, I bid you good squatting.

[shootwillus]

Today I was sore going in but I got through the whole workout (which is harder than monday). Everything seemed to come back strong today and the last reps felt really strong and fast. I should have known by now not to question how smolov does business.

[Jarhead316]

Yeah, just gotta play it out..it will be for the best. Good luck