10 IN 10
One of my favorite programming methods for strength hypertrophy with compound lifts: the "10 in 10'."
10 reps. 10 minutes.
Pick ~80% of your max, set a timer, and get 10 total reps in as few sets as possible.
Simple rule: never attempt a rep you're not 100% confident in.
It hits everything at once:
• Technique
• Power
• Strength
• Hypertrophy
Here's what makes it work for muscle growth:
To build muscle you need to activate high-threshold motor units and put them under high tension.
You do that by trying to move the weight explosively on every rep — even if it's not actually moving fast.
Keep going until 1-2 reps in the set start slowing down despite full effort. That's your signal to rack it and rest.
The setup is simple:
• Pick a challenging weight (~80% of 1RM)
• Set a 10' timer
• Get 10 reps in as few sets as possible
• Never attempt a rep you're not 100% confident in
• Log your reps
Didn't hit 10 reps in 10'? Log it and beat it next week.
If you hit it, add 2.5-5% next workout.
No program to overthink. Just set the timer, pick a weight, and log your reps.