

Written by Chad Wesley Smith

The most common question I receive about The Juggernaut Method, is “how can I add in some heavier work?”. The Juggernaut Method is built around submaximal work done for a high volume with great attention to the quality of the lift from both a technique and speed standpoint. While I don’t think that it is necessary to add any work on top of the already programmed work, as I squatted 800 at my first powerlifting meet, while never going over 635×5 during training with The Juggernaut Method, I understand that there are people who either physically or mentally need to handle higher percentages before a meet.

Adding in higher percentage work within the set/rep scheme of the Juggernaut Method is rather simple and can be done without compromising the initial intent of the program.

When looking to add higher intensity work to The Juggernaut Method follow this structure…

10s Wave

Accumulation Week-Perform As Written

Intensification Week-Work Up to a Heavy Set of 5, then perform the usual TJM work but only do the minimum prescribed reps.

Realization Week-Perform as Written

8s Wave

Accumulation Week-Perform as Written

Intensification Week-Work Up to a Heavy Set of 3, then perform the usual TJM work but only the minimum prescribed reps

Realization Week-Perform as Written

5s Wave

Accumulation Week-Perform as Written

Intensification Week-Work Up to a Heavy Set of 2, then perform the usual TJM work but only the minimum prescribed reps

Realization Week-Perform as Written

3s Wave

Accumulation Week-Perform as Written

Intensification Week-Work Up to a Heavy Set of 1, then perform the usual TJM work but only the minimum prescribed reps

Realization Week-Perform as Written

When working up to these heavy sets of 5, 3, 2 or 1, it is critical that you MAKE ALL YOUR REPS. Making reps makes you stronger, missing them doesn’t, so pick your weights wisely. Focus on staying between an 8 and 9.5 effort level during your heavy sets.

Let’s take a look at what the 5s Wave would loook like for someone with a 500 pound working max…

Accumulation Week-Up to 6×5 at 350 (70%)

Intensification Week-Up to 460×2, then 4×5 at 390 (77.5%), during this week you can drop the ramp up sets to your usual TJM and just do the sets at the top percentage because you will already be warmed up from your heavy work.

Realization Week-Up to 425xAMAP

Again, 460 isn’t a set in stone number or percentage here during the intensification week, it is just an example of a heavy set of 2. You can work up to whatever number you feel is appropriate for the day, just make sure it is challenging but DON’T MISS REPS!

Make Your Top Sets Look Like This, Heavy But Not True Maxes. It is ok to go to a true max once in a while but not every week…