Unpacking the Conjugate Method A Q&A with Tom Barry and Burley Hawk

Unpacking the Conjugate Method A Q&A with Tom Barry and Burley Hawk

From Westside Barbell by Westside Barbell

January 16, 2026 · 60 min · Episode 108

About this episode

Tom Barry and Burley Hawk answer listener questions about strength training and the conjugate method.

In today’s episode of the podcast, Tom and Burley answer your questions on various aspects of strength training. Topics discussed include dynamic effort training, max effort training frequency, the importance of strength in grappling, and the common misconceptions surrounding the conjugate method. 00:00 Intro00:29 Dynamic Effort For Raw Lifters02:04 What Does A Training Week Look Like03:04 Posture & Plyo Day04:42 Do You Need To Max Out Every Week06:38 Strength's Role In Grappling09:32 Conjugate Is Outdated?14:33 Exercise Rotation19:04 Conjugate For Beginners?23:46 Do You Need To PR?27:58 Exercise Variation32:35 Combined Dynamic Effort Day37:28 Accessory Work39:29 Rest Periods43:39 Box Squats & Speed Pulls44:54 How to Choose Exercises50:10 Critisms Of Westside55:32 How To Start Conjugate57:50 Injury Rate Connect with Westside Barbell:Website: westside-barbell.comInstagram: @WestsideBarbellOfficial Studio Sponsor: Dollamur Sport Surfaces

People in this episode

Host: Westside Barbell

Guests: Tom Barry, Burley Hawk

Topics covered

  • strength training
  • dynamic effort training
  • max effort training
  • grappling
  • conjugate method misconceptions

Keywords

  • dynamic effort
  • max effort
  • strength in grappling
  • exercise rotation
  • conjugate method

Sponsors

Dollamur Sport Surfaces

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