Matthew1237
Well-known member
I would not. Smolov is routinely used by dummies in commercial gyms that have no understanding of the context Smolov is intended for. It is a program nearly guaranteed to force a squat PR on peak day, provided you can complete it in the fashion it is intended, likely at the detriment of your deadlift or really progression in almost everything else. It is an all-out assault to bust a squat plateau come Hell or high water.
It is a program that is grueling, will absolutely demand more than your current Sheiko routine which you just stated is a bit much already, and has an alarmingly high rate of injury/dropout as well. And I've seen more than one go through it only to pick up 5-10 on squat and pull 20 less.
It is best reserved for much more advanced lifters than yourself, and that is not a diss. There are too many simpler, easier, faster, safer ways for someone of your qualification to improve. 5/3/1 w no deloads for 9 weeks comes to mind.
Let me put it like this: when someone is brand new to the gym, do you only let them add 5% every week to the bar while lowering reps the first few months?? No, you are often adding 5-10 POUNDS a week while even maybe adding reps for a while. But when you squat 600lbs, you don't have luxuries like that anymore and THAT is when things like Smolov come into the picture.
Training ADD is real, and nothing will cause you to spin your wheels harder. If something is working, stay with it. Like for months. Give a program a real chance and refuse to sacrifice tomorrow's progress for a different flavor of the day.
Great post! Yah as you know I am always looking to try new things and adjust them into my current routine. Funny you mentioned 5/3/1 as I'm giving it a more thorough read through to adapt it to my training. I'm learning more and more about how I succeed in my workouts and am getting some great experience as I go. Trying for PRs this week and I hit a solid 260LB PR on my bench tonight. Pretty pleased with that