Is This The World's HARDEST Workout?
For years, everybody thought the Soviets were ahead of the curve on weight training - but it was a Canadian strength coach that created what some call “the world’s hardest workout”. Have you even HEARD of “German Volume Training”? If not - you’re in for a treat! Let’s get into this…
There are people who are just GLUTTONS for punishment…
Just ask my ex-wife.
I kid! We’re great friends!
No, when I talk about “gluttons for punishment” - I mean those truly sick individuals that literally try to KILL themselves in the gym.
You know the kind - the ones that will barely be able to walk out to their car on leg day…
Or the ones that can’t put their shirt on after chest day…
And they absolutely LOVE it.
If you’re one of those people - I hope you understand - you’re a menace to society…
You’ve got a screw loose and we need more people like you.
That being said…
If you ask these twisted individuals if they’ve ever attempted the hardest workout in the world - they’ll look at you with a puzzled look on their face and ask:
“What’s that?”
Is This The World’s Hardest Workout?
While some people THINK they workout hard…
Odds are they’ve never tackled what has been a consensus killer training program.
This program is so hard…
It’s left people lying on the floor in the fetal position.
How do I know?
Because I AM one of those people.
No, we’re not talking about Mike Mentzer’s Heavy Duty training…
Or even Dorian Yates “Blood & Guts” workouts…
We’re talking German Volume Training - and boy, let me tell you - this thing absolutely SUCKS!
So, what is German Volume Training - or GVT for short?
Well, it was developed by Charles Poliquin, a Canadian strength coach, who took the base of his program from a German weightlifting team coach - and kicked it up a notch.
Oh, it sounds tame enough - it involves performing 10 sets of 10 reps of a single exercise, - with a weight that’s about 60% of your one-rep max.
Doesn’t sound too crazy, right?
Well, strap in folks - because not only is it intense - it’s absolutely effective in putting on size and building strength…
And the benefits of GVT are numerous.
Why You Should Give GVT A Try
First and foremost, as I said, it’s a great way to increase muscle mass and strength…
The high volume of reps and sets means that your muscles are getting a serious workout - which leads to increased hypertrophy (that’s a fancy word for muscle growth).
Plus, the relatively low weight means that you can focus on proper form - which will help prevent injury and ensure that you’re getting the most out of each rep.
Another benefit of GVT is that it’s a great way to break through plateaus.
If you’ve been lifting for a while and feel like you’ve hit a wall - switching up your routine to include GVT can help you push past that plateau and start seeing results again…
Plus, the high volume of reps and sets means that you’ll be attacking your muscles in new ways - which is always a good thing when it comes to making gains.
That being said - the benefits of GVT aren’t just limited to muscle growth and strength gains…
It’s also a great way to improve your cardiovascular fitness.
Since you’re performing so many reps in each set - you’ll be getting your heart rate up and working up a serious sweat…
If you wanted to build up your endurance and overall fitness level but absolutely HATE Crossfit - GVT is the workout for you.
And you don’t need to be an experienced lifter or elite athlete to add GVT to the mix…
Whether you’re a seasoned gym rat or just getting started - GVT can help you hit those fitness goals faster than you thought.
Just be sure to start with a weight that’s appropriate - and take breaks between sets as needed…
Because while 10 sets of 10 reps doesn’t sound like a lot - you can bet your ass you’ll be needing those rest breaks more than you think.
Think you’re ready to give GVT a try?
Well, before you do - let me give you a sample workout before you raise your hand and volunteer.
GVT: In Action
Exercise: Barbell Squats
Sets: 10
Reps: 10
Rest: 90 seconds between sets
Weight: 60% of your one-rep max
To perform this workout, start by warming up with a few light sets of squats to get your body primed - then load up the bar with a weight that’s about 60% of your one-rep max.
So, if your one-rep max on squats is 200lbs - you’ll want to use about 120lbs for this workout.
Once you’ve got your weight selected - perform 10 sets of 10 reps of squats - taking a 90-second break between sets.
Focus on proper form throughout the workout - and be sure to take breaks as needed if you start to feel fatigued…
I can’t stress this enough.
As I lay on the floor curled up in a ball (no exaggeration) - I remember thinking “Why’d I try to look so tough?”
Versatility Is KING
One of the best things about GVT is its versatility.
It’s easy to customize training to your own fitness level and goals…
If squats aren’t your thing - you can easily swap in another exercise - like bench press, pull-ups, or deadlifts.
And if you want to focus on a specific muscle group - you can easily modify the workout to target those muscles more directly.
Whether you’re looking to build mass, increase your strength or improve your overall fitness level - GVT’s versatility can help you get to where you want to go.
Just realize that before you get into this car - know it’s a BUMPY ride.
Had I known going into my first GVT session beforehand how hard it was going to be…
I’d have prepared myself better mentally.
I just wasn't ready for what I got.
Sure, I would have done it anyways…
But just going off the description - I thought it was going to be a cake walk - and it was the exact opposite.
Are You A Glutton?
So, how does this sound?
Have you tried GVT before?
If not - are you willing to try?
Odds are - if you’re a glutton for punishment - you can’t wait to get to the gym for your next lifting session and try this.
While many call it the world’s hardest workout…
You may find it a breeze.
If you do - know you either didn’t use enough weight or you rested WAY too long between sets…
Because nothing about GVT is a “breeze”.
So…
ACHTUNG, baby!!
Let’s hope you have the guts to try and drop the German hammer on your muscles…
Your results will be reward enough - just don’t say I didn’t warn you.
“Starting is easy, persistence is an art.” - German Proverb
Editor’s Note: If you take Shawn up on his offer and give GVT a try - do yourself a favor and add a recovery drink to the mix. EAAs and BCAAs are an incredible way to power through a workout - while giving your muscles the ability to fuel up with the nutrients they need to rebuild, recover and grow. Grab either EAA+HYDRATION or BCAA 6000 today!
