I think aside from not increasing poundage that he's in the ballpark. Of course progressive loading is paramount to hypertrophy in the grand scheme of things, but I think it depends. I don't see someone overtraining if a few exercises in his routine has 'maxed out'. Instead of crying, "OMG!...DELOAD!", the lifter can switch out lifts (like DC endorses) or hold over that poundage for a few workouts.
**You have to envision him writing a very generalized article aimed at neophytes from a place like bodybuilding.com....Which is exactly the type of place where a lot of newbs who haven't developed a strength foundation doing 4-5 day splits, adding more and more volume trying to work their "inner-upper" chest.
Quote:
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VERY LITTLE VOLUME IS NEEDED TO STIMULATE GAINS!
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I also stand behind what he said for a few exercises per muscle group. I've been of the opinion for quite a while that a muscle can be worked with 1-2 exercises with the heaviest poundage for that rep range before moving on. His example of back is perfect.
To me, this article reinforces the need for upper/lower or full body splits for mass, especially in relation to less = more per muscle group. It's certainly easier (and more optimal) to nail a muscle with a few heavy compounds, then move onto another muscle in a SINGLE workout. This ties into why I personally loathe doing 1-2 muscles in a whole day. Essentially, your first few exercises are strong, then as you progress through your workout, the poundage/motivation/endurance decreases to the point to where you're lifting like a madman with 30 lb cable crossovers to "feel the burn"! LOL.
All that being said, I've talked with you (Eric) many times in the past about how he sorta embraces overtraining as a cure-all for anyone who doesn't gain off of his programs. He's very successful as a trainer of course (according to testimonials), but he sounds like too much volume seems to adhere to 90% of the populace!
