Optimized for use with the Beyond the Whiteboard App, the Overhead Press and Upper Body cycle from Westside Barbell can help any athlete looking to increase upper body strength and muscle mass. Across 8 weeks, this program couples overhead press sequences with proper accessory exercise selection and volume, ensuring the athlete is progressing consistently and ultimately maximizing their gains.
As Louie Simmons once said, “If you want to have world class pressing power and be competitive in your sport, it is imperative that you take your shoulder training seriously.” While some coaches and trainers worry that heavy overhead pressing or direct shoulder work can increase the likelihood of injury, Louie always saw this as a myth. Instead, he believed that properly strengthening the muscles surrounding the shoulder joint greatly reduces the likelihood of a shoulder injury, and actually increases the resiliency of an athlete if injury occurs. Having strong shoulders will not only make someone a better bench presser, overhead presser, and strength athlete, but will also deliver its own rewards in everyday life.
Optimized for use with the Beyond the Whiteboard App, the Overhead Press and Upper Body cycle from Westside Barbell can help any athlete looking to increase upper body strength and muscle mass. Across 8 weeks, this program couples overhead press sequences with proper accessory exercise selection and volume, ensuring the athlete is progressing consistently and ultimately maximizing their gains.
As Louie Simmons once said, “If you want to have world class pressing power and be competitive in your sport, it is imperative that you take your shoulder training seriously.” While some coaches and trainers worry that heavy overhead pressing or direct shoulder work can increase the likelihood of injury, Louie always saw this as a myth. Instead, he believed that properly strengthening the muscles surrounding the shoulder joint greatly reduces the likelihood of a shoulder injury, and actually increases the resiliency of an athlete if injury occurs. Having strong shoulders will not only make someone a better bench presser, overhead presser, and strength athlete, but will also deliver its own rewards in everyday life.
A “cycle” is a program that has both a start and an end. The cycle will be made up of a fixed number of sessions that athletes can complete at their own pace and on their own schedule. Unlike a "continuous" program, which offers programming on an indefinite basis, a cycle is designed for users to achieve a specific goal within a suggested amount of time.
This program is meant for beginners and advanced lifters alike. It’s the perfect introduction to strength training for beginners, but it’s also great for the experienced lifter looking for some structure to help squeeze out those extra 1% gains. At the very least, you should be familiar with the points of performance for this movement to ensure your success and safety.
You can work through the program as quickly (or as slowly) as you’d like. Our expert staff recommends completing 3 sessions per week for a total of 6-7 weeks. This recommendation puts you right in the strength-building sweet spot, ensuring enough exposure to the stimuli each week while also providing ample time for recovery.
This program is our take on a linear strength program. It will utilize a 5-5-ME scheme. The weight used will increase by the same amount each session, and there are also rules for decreasing the load if an athlete fails to perform at least 5 reps on the ME set. ME stands for “max effort”. This is the 3rd set of each session. Athletes will perform as many reps as they can up to 10 reps. This program is very simple to follow but is also super effective.
You’ll begin the program by finding your 5RM. You’ll then use a percentage of that 5RM on Day 2. If all goes well, you’ll get back up to, and surpass, your previous 5RM through the normal course of the program. Results can and will vary based on your ability and consistency. Remember, progress takes time and varies from person to person. You might require another run through the program before meeting your goal, and that’s okay. Fitness is a journey. Enjoy and trust the process!
The E-book will be automatically sent to the email address used at the time of your purchase of this program. Download it, frame it, sleep with it under your pillow; once purchased, the E-Book is yours forever. You’ll also be able to find a version of the E-book in the “Programs” section of the btwb app. As an added bonus, btwb app users can sync the program with their btwb calendar. Choose the number of sessions that you’ll complete each week, customize which days you’ll perform those sessions, and easily view your program schedule to help you stay on track.
No, you do not need a btwb subscription to use this program. You may access the program content directly through the PDF if you prefer. 10 weeks of free btwb access is also included with the program purchase. If you currently have an active subscription to btwb, that subscription will continue as is.
Band Front Raises, 5 x 20-30 reps
KB Skullcrusher, 4 x 10-12 reps
One Arm DB Press, 3 x 20-25 reps
Band Lateral Raises, 4 x 20-30 reps
Push Press, work up to a top set of 5
Barbell Rows, 5 x 5 reps
Skullcrushers, 4 x 12 reps
Pull-ups, 5 x 12 reps
DB Bicep Curls 4 x 10-12 reps
DB Lateral Raises, 3 x 15 reps
After purchasing the Westside Overhead Press and Upper Body program from Rogue, customers will be able to schedule the program into their calendar on the BTWB App. If you don’t already have the app, purchasing this program will give you 10 weeks of full access. BTWB will also provide a downloadable eBook version of the program, via e-mail, which is the customer’s to keep and revisit for all time.
From the BTWB App, users can customize many aspects of the program, including the number of sessions they want to complete each week, as well as which days those sessions land on. If the entire program isn’t completed the first time through, users can jump back in at any time where they left off.
Fitness is a journey. With btwb, you can plan, log, and analyze your results all in one place. Keep track of PRs, workout history, find a program, track your macros, earn badges and more! The BTWB App is also the official training app of the Rogue Invitational and of 2x “Fittest Man on Earth” Justin Medeiros.
Westside Barbell is a world-renowned strength training facility based out of Columbus, Ohio. Founded by the late powerlifter and strength coaching legend Louie Simmons, Westside has helped pioneer new, innovative training methods that have repeatedly produced some of the strongest men and women in the world.
PLEASE NOTE: The programming will be accessible after purchase. An e-mail confirmation will also be sent (be sure to check Spam folder if it does not appear). This is a digital cycle and NOT a physical book.
Iron Game Programming is not yet available for purchase in the following countries: Albania, Andorra, Belarus, Bosnia, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Macedonia, Moldova, Montenegro, San Marino, Serbia, Switzerland, Turkey, and Ukraine.