053 Progression Models and the Truth About Progressive Overload

In this episode of Hypertrophy Past & Present, Jake and Chris analyse a 1940s training routine from silver era bodybuilder George Eiferman, including his progression model. The episode explores how silver era lifters approached progression and how confusion around progression models has influenced the modern bodybuilding.

Key topics include:
• George Eiferman’s 1940s full body training routine
• Why silver era bodybuilders often used wider rep range
• Understanding progression as an input vs progression as an output
• Why “progressive overload” is often misunderstood
• Why strength gains naturally slow over time without indicating a plateau
• The Hepburn progression model and why it works
• How exercise selection influences practical rep ranges and loading strategies