Clearing the air about GVT.
German Volume Training (GVT) is a pretty popular workout program. But with any training system that catches on, there are often doubts and misconceptions that many people seem to get wrong. Let’s put the misinformation to rest once and for all. Here are some of the things most people get wrong about GVT.
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“The System is Based on Gironda 8×8 Training Program”
There seems to be a notion that German Volume Training is just an offshoot of Gironda’s 8×8 workout. In fact one of the major differences between the two is that fact that a lot more rest time is given for the volume training. This resting period is needed as you steadily increase the weight for every exercise. This way you’re guaranteed to build more muscle.
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“GVT Can be Done All the Time”
Now with all the praise heaped onto this training system, it’s not something you’re going to be doing year round. You’ll just end up breaking down your body that way. It should be performed one month out of the year, maybe twice if you’re more advanced.
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Another popular belief is the notion that Olympic lifts should be done with the program. That’s just all wrong. The high reps required by GVT and the fact that your form could easily turn to crap with performing so many repetitions makes performing Olympic lifts a pretty difficult task.
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“I Can Use Machines With This Program”
Machines with this program is a pretty much a no go. As a total body training program machines won’t offer the full body stimulus needed. Yeah, leg presses may be great, but does it fit into the GVT program? Unfortunately no. Instead squatting will prove to be not only more challenging but offer less isolation working the legs and core as well. Machines isolate and what is needed is total body work.
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“You can’t jump right in”
This isn’t a program that a beginner can dive right into. Conventional training should be done beforehand because of the taxing nature of the training program. This takes physical and mental strength to get through this program. Anyone that tells you to jump into this program without having lifting experience before hand is probably setting you up for failure. We here at Generation Iron love providing you with different workout options – but know your limit and skill level before jumping ahead and hurting yourself.
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