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1x20 Strength Training Program Guide

The '1x20 Method' is a training program designed for youth athletes, early off-season athletes, and those recovering from injuries, focusing on low intensity and volume to enhance movement quality and recovery. It involves a progression from 1 set of 20 repetitions to 1 set of 15 and then to 1 set of 10, emphasizing perfect form and gradual load increases. After completing the program, athletes can transition to hypertrophy, maximal strength, or power training to further enhance their performance.

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Julien Leveaux
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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
172 views11 pages

1x20 Strength Training Program Guide

The '1x20 Method' is a training program designed for youth athletes, early off-season athletes, and those recovering from injuries, focusing on low intensity and volume to enhance movement quality and recovery. It involves a progression from 1 set of 20 repetitions to 1 set of 15 and then to 1 set of 10, emphasizing perfect form and gradual load increases. After completing the program, athletes can transition to hypertrophy, maximal strength, or power training to further enhance their performance.

Uploaded by

Julien Leveaux
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

DISCLAIMER:

The information contained in “1x20 METHOD” is not meant to replace any specific advice you
may have been given by a doctor, athletic trainer, or therapist. The information is not intended as
a substitute for professional medical input or action.

All exercise involves some inherent risk. If you are unfamiliar with any exercise and unsure of the
proper technique, seek supervised guidance from a qualified coach. Jake Tuura disclaims any
liability or loss in connection with the use of this program or any advice herein.
WHO SHOULD DO THE 1x20 PROGRAM?
YOUTH (BEGINNER) ATHLETES
Slow cook the kids. Training should consist of:

1) movement variety (20+ fundamental joint actions)


2) low intensity (10-20 reps)
3) low volume (1 set)

The youth don’t need anything more advanced.

EARLY OFF-SEASON ATHLETES


The end of a season requires recovery both physically
and psychologically from the high volumes and
intensities of sport. 1x20 rejuvenates the body and
mind because volumes and intensities are minimal.

ATHLETES COMING OFF INJURY


Rehab needs to build up tissue quality (tendons,
ligaments, and muscle), general work capacity, and
assist in relearning movement patterns. 1x20 does
this.

DELOAD WEEKS
Every few months, it’s smart to take breaks from
demanding training. This assists in recovery of the
body’s systems (nervous, muscle, tendon, and
ligament). A few days/weeks of 1x20 can serve as
restoration.
HOW TO DO THE PROGRAM
The 1x20 program refers to all phases (1x20, 1x15, 1x10) laid out in this eBook.

In the initial week(s), 1 set of 20 repetitions is to be


performed.

After 1x20, it turns into 1x15 (with different


movements and isometric holds).

After 1x15, it turns into 1x10 (again, with different


movements and isometric holds).

The goal in each session is to perform the


designated number of repetitions of each exercise
with perfect form. If form breaks down, stop the set and document the weight used and number
of repetitions that were completed. If the goal was 20 repetitions and only 15 were completed,
the same load is to be used in the following workout. Load is increased only after 20 perfect
repetitions. Example:

- DB Goblet Squat was done for 15 reps at 75 pounds (20 reps was
not achieved).
- Next workout: Use 75 pounds again. This time, 20 reps was
achieved.
- Next workout: Go up to 80 pounds. 20 reps was achieved.
- Next workout: Go up to 85 pounds…

Move from one exercise to the next, there is no need to rest more than a minute.

These workouts are to be done 3 times per week (e.g.: Monday, Wednesday, Friday). Normal sport
practice, skill work, or conditioning should be performed around these sessions. These workouts
should not cause excessive soreness or fatigue, which will allow for higher quality skill practice.

Following the RPE (Rating of Perceived Exertion) scale will further limit soreness by gradually
increasing intensity workout to workout. This scale is explained in the next section.
HOW TO GET STRONGER
In each training session, the goal is to lift more weight (or reps) than the previous session.

By following the RPE scale, initial sessions are easier (lighter loads will be selected),
making load progression gradual and predictable.

- In session 1, RPE is set at 6-7

- In session 2, RPE is set at 7-8

- In session 3, RPE is set at 8-9

- In all subsequent sessions, continue with RPE 8-9

- When transitioning to a new phase (e.g., 1x20 to


1x15, start this process over with session 1 being
RPE 6-7, session 2 being RPE 7-8…)

The very first session will take some estimation to figure out the right weight, tension, or
angle to use for each exercise so that a 6-7 RPE is achieved. A warmup set (or two) can be
performed with a lighter weight, lighter tension, or an easier angle to get the feel for the
exercise. For example:

- Good Morning warmup set 1 is done with 45 lbs. for 5 reps to get the feel for the
exercise.
- Good Morning warmup set 2 is done with 65 lbs. for 5 reps to get the feel for
increased weight.
- Good Morning working set 3 is done with 85 lbs. for 20 reps.

After the first session of getting accustomed to the movement, less warmup sets should be
required (or even no warmup sets if desired) in subsequent sessions.

All workouts are linked to a YouTube video.

Dynamic warmups are optional.


[Link]
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HOW LONG TO RUN THE PROGRAM

YOUTH (BEGINNER) ATHLETES


Kids can run the program for many months. There is no
need to move on to higher intensities/volumes if the
athlete is still making progress. Milk each phase for as
long as possible.

EARLY OFF-SEASON ATHLETES


If these athletes are already experienced with lifting, they
will be using the program as more of a “reset” after the
season. After a few weeks (e.g., 1x20 for a week, 1x15 for
a week, 1x10 for a week), they can move on to higher
intensity/volume training.

ATHLETES COMING OFF INJURY


These athletes fall in between the camps of Youth
Athletes and Early Off-Season Athletes. Depending on
the injury, they could stay on the program for many
months, or just a few weeks.

DELOAD WEEKS
These athletes can choose between any of the phases
(1x20, 1x15, 1x10) and run a few sessions over the course
of a week, or over the course of 2-3 weeks, depending on
how long they desire to deload.
WHAT TO DO AFTER THE PROGRAM
HYPERTROPHY/WORK CAPACITY
After milking gains from the program, athletes can benefit from building their
base wider. This comes from bringing up their work capacity (ability to do
work in the weightroom) and increasing hypertrophy (muscle mass). This is
best done with decent intensities (60-80% of 1-repetition maximum) for
high volumes. Hypertrophy Clusters is the program. Link here.

MAXIMAL STRENGTH
Once the base of work capacity and hypertrophy is built, athletes can benefit from pushing up
their maximal strength numbers as this provides the base for improved power production. Any
strength plan that brings intensities above 80% of 1-repetiton maximum and does so for a low-
medium volume will do.

POWER
After work capacity, hypertrophy, and maximal strength are sufficient,
athletes can benefit from focused power training. This will feature lighter
loads and faster speeds. Even if the goal is not vertical jump, the plan for
this is Vertical Jump Protocol. This covers explosive upper body training,
jumping, and sprinting. Link here.
OTHER RESOURCES
1x100 before 1x20
For athletes that really want to decrease intensity and learn
technique, try 1x100 before entering 1x20. The link to the videos
are here and here. If 1x100 is too difficult, the sets and reps can
be split up into 4x25.

Simplified Program
If athletes want to run a simpler version of the program, they can do the following:

1) Squat (e.g., Back Squat)


2) Horizontal Push (e.g., Bench Press)
3) Hinge (e.g., RDL)
4) Horizontal Pull (e.g., DB Row)
5) Split Squat (e.g., Rear Foot Elevated Split Squat)
6) Vertical Push (e.g., Overhead Press)
7) Single-leg Posterior Chain (e.g., Single-Leg RDL)
8) Vertical Pull (e.g., Lat Pulldown)

Pick an exercise variation for each of the eight movements, run 1x20 until strength gain stalls, then
turn that into 1x15 and run that until strength gain stalls, then turn that into 1x10 until the strength
gain stalls. Simple.

The Dr. Michael Yessis book


This program was inspired by the book: The Revolutionary 1 x 20 RM
Strength Training Program

Buy the book here

Read my article on the book here

Common questions

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The transition from 1x10 to focused power training, like the Vertical Jump Protocol, integrates into the overall strategy by building on the foundation of hypertrophy and maximal strength developed in earlier phases. It emphasizes explosive power through lighter loads and faster execution, critical for improving athletic performance in speed and agility. The integration ensures well-rounded development, preparing athletes for the specific demands of their sports by converting strength gains into practical power and performance .

Hypertrophy and work capacity are essential post-1x20 phases because they expand the athlete's foundational physical capabilities, allowing for enhanced muscle mass and endurance. This broader base is crucial for safely and effectively integrating subsequent training focused on maximal strength. By increasing muscle fibers' size and endurance capacity, athletes can handle heavier loads during maximal strength training, ensuring that power production can further improve without compromising the athlete's structural integrity or performance .

Using a simplified version of the 1x20 program, which focuses on fundamental movement patterns, can be highly beneficial for athletes who need a straightforward and effective training regiment. This approach ensures that core functional movements are strengthened, supporting adaptability in various sports contexts. However, the simplicity might limit exposure to more diverse or sport-specific challenges that could limit comprehensive athletic development over the long term. For many athletes, balancing fundamental drills with specific adaptations is critical for optimal outcomes .

The RPE scale is integral to the 1x20 program as it helps in regulating exercise intensity to prevent excessive fatigue and soreness, allowing for sustainable progression. It aids in ensuring that athletes gradually increase weights or repetitions by initially starting with lighter loads (session 1 at RPE 6-7) and incrementally escalating to more challenging ones (session 2 at RPE 7-8, session 3 at RPE 8-9), promoting load progression that is predictable and manageable .

The rationale behind using different phases (1x20, 1x15, 1x10) in the training program is to progressively adapt the muscles to increasing loads while ensuring perfect form. Each phase presents a gradual increase in intensity and a decrease in repetitions, allowing for steady progression in strength and endurance. This phased approach helps manage fatigue and supports continued muscular development while minimizing the risk of injury as athletes adapt to each new challenge before advancing .

Movement variety in the 1x20 program for youth athletes serves the crucial role of enhancing neuromuscular development and motor learning. By incorporating over 20 fundamental joint actions, young athletes are exposed to a broad range of movement patterns which supports their overall athletic development. This approach ensures balanced physical growth, reduces injury risk by building diverse musculoskeletal resilience, and lays a solid foundation for future specialized training .

The concept of 'milking gains' in the 1x20 method involves maximizing training benefits within each phase (1x20, then 1x15, and finally 1x10) before moving to higher intensity/volume. This strategy ensures that athletes continue to achieve progress with minimal risk of overtraining or injury. Transitioning to higher intensity or volume training only occurs when athletes no longer experience strength gains from the current phase, promoting optimal adaptation and improvement over time .

The 1x20 program is suitable for athletes in different stages of rehabilitation due to its focus on low intensity and volume, which are beneficial in restoring tissue quality and work capacity without risking injury. It supports the enhancement of tendons, ligaments, and muscle quality by facilitating the relearning of movement patterns through a controlled, gradual workload increase. This makes the program adaptable for both early-stage recovery and ongoing rehabilitation, depending on individual needs and recovery rates .

The 1x20 training program supports early off-season athletes by providing a 'reset' after the high volumes and intensities experienced during the season. It promotes recovery physically and psychologically, with minimal volumes and intensities rejuvenating the body and mind. Athletes can progress through 1x20, 1x15, and 1x10 phases over a few weeks to transition smoothly back into higher intensity and volume training, effectively resetting and preparing them for future training loads .

The 1x20 program assists in recovery weeks by allowing athletes to engage in low-volume, low-intensity exercises that minimize stress on the body's systems (nervous, muscle, tendon, and ligament). Periodic breaks from demanding training, through deload weeks using the program, facilitate the restoration and recovery of these systems, allowing athletes to reset and improve overall performance without experiencing chronic fatigue or injury risk .

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