Hi Friend,
If you are searching for someone who typifies minimalist strength training at its hardcore best, then look no further than Mark Chaillet. Not only was this 1980s powerlifter insanely strong, but he achieved his Herculean physique with a barebones program that beggars belief.
To say Mark's routine was stripped back to its absolute basics would be an understatement. Here is what his routine looked like:
- Monday, squats and benches.
- Thursday, deadlifts.
That's it. Just three exercises.
Mark's training methods were equally basic, too. During his workout sessions, he would simply work up to a heavy single in each of the three powerlifts.
Writing in "The Purposeful Primitive", strength coach Marty Gallagher tells the following tale:
"I can count on one hand the number of times over the years I saw him do any lift or exercise other than the three powerlifts. Every once in a blue moon I might see him perform a set of curls, or do a set of stiff leg deadlifts, but nothing consistent other than the big three."
And this consistency with the big three paid off handsomely in muscle and might. Yet when you stop to really think about it, is it any surprise? Right here, Mark's abbreviated approach follows the same no-frills formula promoted by strength aficionados Bill Starr, Brooks Kubik and Dr. Ken Leistner among others.
The truth is, you don't have to train long to get insanely strong.
Marty Gallagher agrees, and had this to say about Mark Chaillet's minimalist training methods:
"I think that most dismiss his approach as short-sighted. Plus, I don't see very many 269 pounds men deadlifting 880 nowadays."
Until next time,
Squat for Glory!
Lee
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