Does Westside build overall strength or just Squat and Bench?

[gretak911]

For those of you who have been using the Westside powerlifting program can you let me know if you have noticed a total strength increase (military press, bicep curl, bent over row, etc.) along with you increase in bench and squat/deadlift?

I am about to start an 8 week Westside program to test it out but I'm not a competetive powerlifter and would also like to focus on improving my lifts other that squat/bench. Essentially I want to have my cake and eat it too (I want to look like a bodybuilder but be as strong as a powerlifter).

Any feedback is appreciated.
Thanks

 

[pwr_machine]

I'm not exactly a WSB follower, but I'll bet that your overall strength will increase. I'm sure others will expand on the topic. However, there will come a time where you have to decide whether or not you are going the bodybuilding or powerlifting route. It would be tough to juggle both.

 

[Exodus]

yes it promotes whole body growth....... my biceps are stronger than ever............. and i havent done a curl in 8 weeks.

X

 

[makedah]

That's been my experience. But mind you, I've only been lifting heavy for a year. (Did a few months of a standard split, then WSB for 4 months, then slacked off, then went back to standard split, now I'm back to WSB.)

 

[t3c]

well since squat bench and dead are all heavy COMPOUND moves I guess you could say it promotes overall strength

 

[spatts]

B fold trains using Westside principals.

 

[benchmonster]

Ever see a pic of Kenny Patterson with his shirt off? Not many better physiques around, and he has never lifted in any other way.

B.

 

[Exodus]

or JM Blakely.......... hes huge!!!!!


X

 

[slinky]

Overall

 

[b fold the truth]

I train using the WSB methods and look 'decent', am a solid strongman, and can put up some decent numbers in the gym also.

If I wanted to look better I would take out a few things and add in a few others. If I wanted to get better in strongman...I'd take out/add in something(s) else. Same for powerlifting.

I think that the WSB principles are flexible enough to meet nearly everyone's needs if they learn how to use the system properly. The thing is...you need to really be able to understand the principles (not just the basic program) and be able to read your body and be able to adapt them to your needs...for WSB to be fully effective.

B True

 

[Liftbig]

your over all strength will defianatly increase.

 

[gretak911]

Thanks for all the encouragement. I'm even more psyched beacuse my bands just came in the mail!!!! I'm setting a personal goal of benching 405 in 1 year. (I just hit 315 a week ago.) and Deadlifting over 600 (I'm at @475 now) I don't know what my squat goal is because I just started squating again after a few months off and my strength is coming back fast.

 

[Zander1983]

You can do with Westside whatever you please. For me, I'm hoping it turns out to be the total package, and I think it will

 

[makedah]

Go for it! Good luck!

FYI - I'm not looking to be a competitive PL, either. I do WSB for strength and after trying other stuff, this is what I'm happiest with.