Circle training GS style

Over the last several months I translated every worthwhile article on GS I could get my hands on and by about November last year I was out of material, as evidenced by the lack of posts on the blog. Luck smiled upon me, however, and a month ago I came across a second hand book shop in Russia which happened to have an early GS book by Polyakov and Voropaev with the title... "Girevoy Sport". Thanks to Pavel, Voropaev's name is not unfamiliar to Western readers. The book is quite small, about 80 pages and was published in 1988. Even though the methodology of training has changed considerably since then, I believe that basic principles have not.

So far I have only read bits and pieces of the book, and some stuff is quite interesting. One of the chapters discusses strength endurance as the key quality of GS. I will rehash this chapter at the later stage, and in this post I will quickly run through the author's ideas of circle training.

According to Polyakov and Voropaev this method is very useful for the development of strength endurance and can be used at any stage of training, from beginners to highly qualified gireviks. It's advantages lie in the fact that one session includes many exercises. All exercises are performed several times and their intensity should be lower than during usual training. The emotional background and the variety and total training volume are very important. The complex recommended by the authors is as follows.

1. Snatch, each arm - 30-40% of maximum
2. Pushups - to the maximum
3. Cleans, two bells, 5-10 reps
4. Two KB press from the head level, 5-10 reps
5. Rope climbing, 3 times
6. Jerk, two bells, 50-60% of maximum
7. Pullovers on the bar, 3-5 times

Depending on the period of preparation this circle may be repeated 2-3 times.

Polyakov and Voropaev believe that circle method allows the coaches to show their creativity, as the choice of exercises, the quantity and quality of load may vary within very wide range. This method is best used in the preparatory period, when you need to improve general physical preparedness within shortest period of time.

As far as I am concerned, this method looks interesting. As you can see, it is a hybrid of OTW and HS (I know, I know, but let's not get into the whole thing of excessive tension and velocity). It is very similar to the circuits used by Dragondoor crowd, except that classic lifts are done for considerably higher numbers. This will teach the corret technique and the ability to set pace, even the ability to rest with the bells in your hands, while other stuff done for low reps will develop strength. Moreover, presses will fatigue the arms and will facilitate the technique of classic lifts, especially of jerks during the next circle. While doing this stuff non-stop will fry your cardiovascular system. The whole session should not last longer than 30 minutes for mere mortals. Feedback is welcome.