Total Physique Online

Editors Note: this article is the opinion of Louie Simmons, not necessarily that of this web site. It is reproduced for educational purposes only. It should be pointed out that Louie Simmons has trained more champions than just about any coach on the face of the planet. He is considered one of the leading authorities on strength training in the world. Carefully read this article. Print it out and present it to your health care provider, especially if you have a pre-existing medical condition. Never undertake an exercise program without consulting a health care provider first.

Advanced Program For Beginners

By Louie Simmons, writing for Elite FTS

I hear all the time that Westside training is for the advanced and that only top 10 lifters can do the training that is required at Westside. It is true that our training is advanced, but it is also great for beginners. Why start out wrong, or start with a program that will yield only small results?
Read the rest of this entry »

Popularity: 15% [?]

Note: This program is a beginner to intermediate program. If you have never worked out before then some of the terminology used here may seem confusing. If that is the case, then please visit Our Sample Beginner Program Page. Use the pop-up windows on that page to familiarize yourself with some of the more common terms. Take a look at some of the exercise demos. This will help you grasp some of the concepts discussed in this post. Also, please visit the Anatomy Chart to familiarise yourself with your body’s muscle groups

Read the rest of this entry »

Popularity: 5% [?]

I receive lots of emails from people all over the world who have some form of COPD. Many of them are already discovering the health benefits of exercise. They have found out that even moderate exercise, performed daily, makes a world of difference in their ability to breath.

Still, I do receive more than a a few emails from people who have not begun a workout program. They came to this site to check it over and see what is here. They have reviewed the articles and looked over the exercise programs that we currently have available, and still have not found what they are looking for.
Read the rest of this entry »

Popularity: 4% [?]

The following program is a sample program for beginners. The program is merely a suggestiion of an approach that is basic and seems to work well for most people. As always, read the disclaimer at the top of the page of this site, and consult a physician before beginning any training program. If you feel the need to reduce the amount of volume for this program, please feel free to do so. Listen to your body. You be the judge of what works best for you.

For your convenience, a glossary of terms and a nice exercise demo gallery is added below. Clink the pop-up links to access the information, and use the arrows to navigate.

[ Note: The exercise demos are offered courtesy of exrx.net, which is a GREAT source for strength and conditioning. Perhaps one of the best! ]

Open Terms and Definitions

Open Exercise Demonstrations

Open Beginner Strength Training Program

Popularity: 5% [?]