1. Jump Squat — Preactivation

    Sets: 4 - 6   Reps: 3   Rest: 15

    Perform 4 to 6 sets of 3 explosive reps. The main purpose of this exercise is to activate the nervous system and associated target muscle group prior to a Capacity Ramp exercise. As such, you want to induce maximum stimulus with minimal fatigue. To do this, lift the weight with explosive force, and keep the load constant, from set to set. Advanced lifters should use 30% to 40% of 1RM. Everyone else should use 50% to 60% 1RM. *The number of sets is determined by how many sets are performed on the Capacity Ramp exercise. Rest no more than 15 seconds between this exercise and the Capacity Ramp exercise.
  2. Front Squat — Ramp

    Sets: 4 - 6   Reps: 3 - 5   Rest: 60

    Choose the heaviest weight that you can perform 5 repetitions without any sticking points. For most lifters, this is between 70% and 75% 1RM. Set 1, perform 3 reps. Set 2, perform 4 reps. Sets 3 and higher, attempt to do 5 repetitions. Stop the exercise when you can no longer achieve 5 repetitions using good form on every rep (do not allow rep technique to breakdown). *The number of sets is determined by your work capacity. Do not, however, exceed 6 total sets. Perform every repetition with maximum force (as hard and as explosive as possible), including feel sets. Rest no more than 60 seconds between this exercise and the Dynamic Preactivation exercise.
  3. Power Clean from Hang — Preactivation

    Sets: 4 - 6   Reps: 3   Rest: 15

    Perform 4 to 6 sets of 3 explosive reps. The main purpose of this exercise is to activate the nervous system and associated target muscle group prior to a Capacity Ramp exercise. As such, you want to induce maximum stimulus with minimal fatigue. To do this, lift the weight with explosive force, and keep the load constant, from set to set. Advanced lifters should use 30% to 40% of 1RM. Everyone else should use 50% to 60% 1RM. *The number of sets is determined by how many sets are performed on the Capacity Ramp exercise. Rest no more than 15 seconds between this exercise and the Capacity Ramp exercise.
  4. Romanian Deadlift from Pins — Ramp

    Sets: 4 - 6   Reps: 3 - 5   Rest: 60

    Choose the heaviest weight that you can perform 5 repetitions without any sticking points. For most lifters, this is between 70% and 75% 1RM. Set 1, perform 3 reps. Set 2, perform 4 reps. Sets 3 and higher, attempt to do 5 repetitions. Stop the exercise when you can no longer achieve 5 repetitions using good form on every rep (do not allow rep technique to breakdown). *The number of sets is determined by your work capacity. Do not, however, exceed 6 total sets. Perform every repetition with maximum force (as hard and as explosive as possible), including feel sets. Rest no more than 60 seconds between this exercise and the Dynamic Preactivation exercise.
  5. Ankle Jumps Holding Dumbbell — Preactivation

    Sets: 3 - 5   Reps: 3   Rest: 15

    Perform 4 to 6 sets of 3 explosive reps. The main purpose of this exercise is to activate the nervous system and associated target muscle group prior to a Capacity Ramp exercise. As such, you want to induce maximum stimulus with minimal fatigue. To do this, lift the weight with explosive force, and keep the load constant, from set to set. Advanced lifters should use 30% to 40% of 1RM. Everyone else should use 50% to 60% 1RM. *The number of sets is determined by how many sets are performed on the Capacity Ramp exercise. Rest no more than 15 seconds between this exercise and the Capacity Ramp exercise.
  6. Single-Leg Calf Raise — Ramp

    Sets: 3 - 5   Reps: 3 - 5   Rest: 60

    Choose the heaviest weight that you can perform 5 repetitions without any sticking points. For most lifters, this is between 70% and 75% 1RM. Set 1, perform 3 reps. Set 2, perform 4 reps. Sets 3 and higher, attempt to do 5 repetitions. Stop the exercise when you can no longer achieve 5 repetitions using good form on every rep (do not allow rep technique to breakdown). *The number of sets is determined by your work capacity. Do not, however, exceed 6 total sets. Perform every repetition with maximum force (as hard and as explosive as possible), including feel sets. Rest no more than 60 seconds between this exercise and the Dynamic Preactivation exercise.
Christian Thibaudeau specializes in building bodies that perform as well as they look. He is one of the most sought-after coaches by the world's top athletes and bodybuilders. Check out the Christian Thibaudeau Coaching Forum.