A Scientific Approach To Training

Regardless of the goal, a correctly implemented Conjugate plan is incredibly effective. 

But applied incorrectly… Conjugate training can be a waste of time. 

So what is the key to correctly using the Conjugate system and achieving incredible results? Approaching progress in training with the same system used in science. 

What is a “scientific approach”?

A scientific approach to training sounds complicated, but is extremely simple. It follows one basic formula:

P1 -> I -> T -> P2

In this formula, you start with a problem (P1). 

An example of a training problem could be that you miss your deadlifts at knee height. 

From here, you move to “I”, which stands for Idea. 

At this step you need to come up with your best idea to solve this problem. With our example, you could be thinking that you need to work on your form, or doing more hamstring work, or perhaps strengthening your lower back. 

Regardless of how many ideas you come up with, consider them all and pick the best one. Best, in this case, meaning the one you think is most likely. If you’ve narrowed it down but can’t choose a single idea, pick the one that’s easiest to test. 

Let’s say in this case we’ve decided our best ideas are that it’s a technical problem or a lower back weakness. Between these two, a lower back weakness is the easiest to test for. 

That brings us to “T”, Test. 

Within a Conjugate program, Max Effort day is the place to experiment and figure out if your idea was correct. You could test this particular theory with a good morning variation, or even a low box squat with a safety squat bar. 

Once you test this idea you have two potential outcomes and both of which are useful. 

You could test yourself with one of those movements and find out that your lower back is a weak-point. 

You could also test yourself and find out that it isn’t. 

Regardless of what happens, you’re now at the final step of the formula: P2, which stands for new problems. 

If you find out your lower back is weak, your new problem is figuring out how to fix it and starting this sequence over again. 

If you find out your lower back is not weak, your new problem is moving to your next best idea (which was form), unless you learned something new in the test that gives you a better clue. Regardless, you need to start over and devise a new idea and test it. 

The Key To Progress

This simple formula is the key to achieving your goals with a Conjugate System, and ignoring it is the fast track to failure. 

Despite the comments you’ll find on the internet, Conjugate training works for everyone - or at least anyone who’s willing to think. 

The hundreds of articles on our website and the books in our store contain the answers to every training puzzle imaginable, but remember Louie’s warning: you can give the keys to the universe to a million people but only one might actually unlock the door.