Critical Bench - Weightlifting: The Bulgarian Blitz!

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So why do the Bulgarians have such a successful national weightlifting program? Do they use anabolics in excess? Do they need to use them? I will answer this question and more right here.

http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/criticalbench22.htm

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I would like to start off by saying the article is very interesting and raises some good points. I would like to point out however, that the article seems to downplay the use of anabolics by Bulgarians and mainly credits their success to the outlined training regime. First, the Bulgarians would not be lifting the weights that they are if they followed the program frequently. It is basically all technical lifts. Where are the strength exercises? Granted maybe Critical Bench was outlining one phase of their entire training regime, which would make more sense. There is no way however that the Bulgarians would be strong enough to snatch double their bodyweight or more following this program regularly and with minimal use of anabolics. Second, there is absolutely no variety. If the Bulgarians used these workouts as outlined in the article for 10 to 15 years that they train, their bodies would get so immune to training that way that they would either plateau at a lot less weight than they are lifting now, or most likely even degress from the intense strain on the neurological system. I will agree with the opinion that the use of anabolics with Bulagrians is less than other high calibre countries, but it is certainly a major role in the weights these people are lifting. I also understand and agree that a huge part of their recovery is attributable to the regular massage therapy received, but still does not account for the weights being lifted. In my vast experience with weightlifting, I think a person genetically gifted for weightlifting and under optimal coaching throughout his career can attain 150 and 185 in the 85kg weight class for example. Factor in frequent massage which may contribute and extra 10% gain for Bulgarians. So an 85kg Bulgarian could realistically lift 165kg Snatch and 205kg CJ. So where is the remaining 15-20kg that the best lifters in the world are lifting? It comes from anabolics which is proven to increase performance 10-15%. So Bulgaria, who probably relies on anabolics less would get an extra 10% bringing them to a 185kg Snatch and 225kg CJ. I have seen video footage of Bulgarians snatching 185 and CJ-ing 215kg in 85kg weight classes. So there you have it.