German Volume Training, or GVT for short, has been around the weightlifting world since the 70s. The idea between GVT is to overload your muscles with extreme volume, but with fewer exercises. The traditional setup you’d see would most likely be three main, compound exercises performed for a total of 10 sets at 10 repetitions each. Between each set you’d see a modest amount of rest—roughly a minute or two. And, as expected, the amount of weight used would need to be on the lighter side or else you’ll burn out early. On paper, it doesn’t sound too bad, but you’ll soon realize that 300 reps is a ton of reps, and even more so when they are big-boy/big-girl exercises. You may also see a couple isolation exercises thrown in for 3 sets at 10 repetitions each. For this particular mini-plan, we’ve modified traditional GVT. It’s somewhat of a mutant.

How it works

Good news: Not all of the three main exercises are overly-exhausting compound lifts. Bad news: Those three main exercises are now a tri-set, which means no rest in between exercises. All in all, this should be a complete shock to the body. It most likely won’t even know what hit it. Not only is the volume incredibly taxing, but the non-stop approach will push your muscular endurance and cardio-game through the roof. This is ideal for busting through stubborn plateaus in your regular programming whether it be strength or body composition.

When to use the 10x10s

If you’ve been following other programs like our 6-week Redemption plan, the 4-week Reconstruction plan, the Winter Bulk Up, or our Unlabeled plan, the 10×10 is a nice change or transition betweens the other program cycles. For example, follow Unlabeled for 6 weeks, then use the 10×10 for 2 weeks, then onto Redemption.

Directions

Work out every other day for one-two weeks ONLY. You may use mix and match any of the workouts in whatever structure you prefer. For example: select one of the following workouts for 3-4 sessions, or you can rotate between two of the following workouts for 3-4 sessions, or even use three workouts for 3-4 sessions. If at any point you’re more sore than normal, or not recovering well, bake in an extra rest day between workouts.

WORKOUT 1: Squatting, pulling, and pressing

Complete the following exercises as a circuit. Complete a total of 5-10 rounds. Rest only if needed.

Front Squat x 10 reps
Renegade Row x 10 reps
Dumbbell Clean and Press x 10 reps

THE FINISHER

Complete the following exercises as a superset. Complete a total of 5-10 supersets

Push Ups x 10
Pull Ups x 10

WORKOUT 2: Cleaning, pulling, and squatting

Complete the following exercises as a circuit. Complete a total of 5-10 rounds. Rest only if needed.

Hang Clean x 10 reps
Pull Up x 10 reps
Goblet Squat x 10 reps

THE FINISHER

Complete the following exercises as a superset. Complete a total of 5-10 supersets

Dips x 10
Knee Tucks x 10

WORKOUT 3: Pulling and pressing

Complete the following exercises as a circuit. Complete a total of 5-10 rounds. Rest only if needed.

Deadlift x 10 reps
Dumbbell Clean and Press x 10 reps
Pull Up x 10 reps

THE FINISHER

Complete the following exercises as a superset. Complete a total of 5-10 supersets

Push Up x 10 reps
Floor Hip Thrust x 10 reps

WORKOUT 4: Pushing, swinging, and squatting

Complete the following exercises as a circuit. Complete a total of 5-10 rounds. Rest only if needed.

Kettlebell Swing x 10 reps
Push Ups x 10 reps
Kettlebell Goblet Squat x 10 reps

THE FINISHER

Complete the following exercises as a superset. Complete a total of 5-10 supersets

Dumbbell Curl x 10 reps
Dumbbell Kickback x 10 reps

WORKOUT 5: Pressing and pulling

Complete the following exercises as a circuit. Complete a total of 10 rounds. Rest only if needed.

Dumbbell Bench Press x 10 reps
Dumbbell Row x 10 reps
Dumbbell Squat/Deadlift x 10 reps

THE FINISHER

Complete the following exercises as a superset. Complete a total of 5-10 supersets

Hands-Elbows Planks x 10 reps
Floor Hip Thrust x 10 reps