Episode
038 Periodisation for hypertrophy is pointless (unless you do this)
- Podcast
- Hypertrophy Past and Present
- Published
- Feb 9, 2026
- Duration seconds
- 4076
- Processing state
not_requested- Canonical source
- https://share.transistor.fm/s/56f55bc9
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Summary
In this episode of Hypertrophy Past & Present, Jake and Chris unpack periodisation for hypertrophy, including what it actually is (and isn’t), why most “periodised” bodybuilding programs end up adding complexity without adding results, and which variables you can change over time without accidentally driving atrophy or accumulating a fatigue debt. The episode opens in 1952 with Clarence Ross’ pre-steroid full-body AAA “favourite routine”. From there, Jake and Chris break down the three main variables people try to periodise in hypertrophy training: volume, rep range, and exercise selection. Key topics include: -Why Clarence Ross’ 1952 full-body plan is a great 'non periodised' template -What is training 'periodisation' -The 3 variables people periodise for hypertrophy: volume, rep range, exercise selection -Why escalating volume blocks can reduce stimulus -Why light-load blocks for 'capillarisation' doesn't potentiate future hypertrophy -The only phase potentiation effect that really makes sense for hypertrophy