My Personal Training Plan

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MY PERSONAL

TRAINING PLAN

Do you want to have a physique and performance similar


to mine ? In this E-Book, I explain EVERYTHING
from A to Z in the finest details.

SAÏAN MUREAU
SUMMARY

SAÏAN’S METHODS

INTRODUCTION CHAPTER 1 CHAPTER 2


Saïan Mureau My Weight-lifting program My Callisthenics program

CHAPTER 3 CHAPTER 4 CHAPTER 5


My Alimentation Recovery and Conditioning My Future Goals

Saian MUREAU E-book 2


CHAPTER DETAILS

01 WEIGHT TRAINING
1 - MY TRAINING WEEK (p.6)
2 - LEGS & FUTURE PROGRAMMING (p.9)
3 - MY WARM-UP FOR WEIGHT TRAINING (p.13)
4- MY COMPLETE WORKOUT (p.16)
5- PROGRAM EXPLANATION IN DETAIL (p.23)
6 - INTENSIFICATION TECHNIQUES (p.26)

02 CALISTHENICS
1 - MY TRAINING WEEK (p.30)
2 - MY SESSIONS IN DETAIL (p.32)
3 - IN-DEPTH EXPLANATION OF INTENSITY % (p.40)
4 - MY CALISTHENICS TIPS (p.43)

03 MY DIET
1 - WHAT I SEEK WITH MY DIET (p.47)
2 - DETAILS OF MY «DIET» EXPLAINED (p.49)
3 - MY DAILY CALORIC TOTAL (p.51)

04 RECOVERY ROUTINE
1 - RECOMMENDATIONS FOR TOOLS IN YOUR ROUTINE (p.53)
2 - MY ROUTINE IN SEVERAL STEPS + EXPLANATIONS (p.55)

05 FUTURE GOALS
1 - MY GOALS IN WEIGHT TRAINING (p.62)
2 - MY GOALS IN CALISTHENICS(p.63)
3 - MY GLOBAL GOALS (p.64)

Saian MUREAU E-book 3


Hi, I’m Saïan MUREAU
I’m Saïan Mureau, and I consider myself a well-rounded
athlete, mastering both bodybuilding and calisthenics at
a professional level. I strive to be as versatile as possible
in these two disciplines.

Before we begin, it’s important to with this, you’ll find plenty of expla-
remember that we’re all different, nations about the reasoning behind
with unique genetics, goals, and my approach, allowing you to adapt
lifestyles. Simply copying the t MY methods to your own needs.
raining methods of your favorite
influencers won’t give you the So, I encourage you not to blindly
exact same results. The purpose of copy my program. Use the
this E-book is to provide you with information I’m sharing to progress
as much information as possible in the best way possible for you.
about what I’ve implemented du-
ring these six years of training. You’ll
understand the structure of my
workouts and the methods I use
daily to optimize my results. Along

Saian MUREAU E-book 4


August 2023 May 2024

In this section, I’ll explain my weight training program in detail.

This program allowed me to go from 58kg to 67-68kg lean


in just 9 months,
while also improving my level in calisthenics.

(Better overall volume + more explosiveness, etc.)

Saian MUREAU E-book 5


MY TRAINING WEEK

Monday Tuesday Wednesday


PUSH 1/3 PULL 1/2 PUSH 2/3

Thursdady Friday Saturday


REST PUSH 3/3 PULL 2/2

Sunday PUSH SESSIONS CORRESPOND TO PUSHING


REST MOVEMENTS

TARGETED MUSCLE GROUPS :


CHEST - SHOULDERS - TRICEPS

PULL SESSIONS CORRESPOND TO PULLING


MOVEMENTS

TARGETED MUSCLE GROUPS :


BACK - BICEPS - FOREARMS

Saian MUREAU E-book 6


COMPOSITION OF
SESSIONS
A PROGRAM COMBINING STRENGTH, HYPERTROPHY,
AND CONDITIONING

1- EXPLANATION OF HYPERTROPHY

I primarily work on hypertrophy, with a focus on my aesthetic weak


points (notably the upper chest)

*The goal here is to achieve the most harmonious physique possible.*

2- EXPLANATION OF STRENGHT

There are certain exercises where I focus more on strength than


others. I choose these based on :

1 - The enjoyment I get from lifting heavy on these exercises

2 - The fact that it is already a strength, so there is no need to work


on it in hypertrophy.

Saian MUREAU E-book 7


3 - Strength can be transferable to calisthenics and thus
beneficial.

3- EXPLANATION OF CONDITIONING

I occasionally work on reinforcement at the end of my workouts


with very specific exercises

Indeed, my program tends to be quite intense and puts a lot of


strain on tendons/ligaments.

Therefore, I do some reinforcement for the following areas:

WRISTS & FOREARMS

ROTATOR CUFF

Saian MUREAU E-book 8


LEGS ?

As you have seen, I’m not currently doing any leg workouts..

WHY NOT ?

Simply maintaining a high level in calisthenics


while also pursuing performance and
aesthetic goals in weightlifting is already quite
challenging.

Therefore, adding another constraint by


making my legs heavier could end up being
more counterproductive than beneficial.

I’ve done leg training in the past and still have


some good muscle memory, which is why my
physique doesn’t appear «disproportionate»

However, if your goal is purely aesthetic, I


strongly recommend incorporating leg training

APRIL 2024

Here is my previous workout and the one I will return to when I no longer have
major performance goals in calisthenics.

This workout is what allowed me to achieve good results in a very short time.

Saian MUREAU E-book 9


Exercise 01
4 sets (Last set is drop set) 2-3 MIN
Barbell Squats between 6 to 8 reps of rest

Exercise 02
4 sets (Last set is drop set) 2-3 MIN
Bulgarian Split Squats between 6 to 8 reps of rest

Exercise 03
3 sets 2-3 MIN
Seated leg curl between 8 to 12 reps of rest

Saian MUREAU E-book 10


Exercise 04
3 sets 1:30-2 MIN
Leg extensions between 8 to 12 reps of rest

Exercise 05
3 sets 1:30 MIN
Adductors & Abductors between 12 to 15 reps of rest

Exercise 06
3 sets 1:30-2 MIN
Unilateral calf raises between 12 to 15 reps of rest

Saian MUREAU E-book 11


NEXT PROGRAMMING

Monday Tuesday Wednesday


PUSH PULL LEGS

Thursday Friday Saturday


REPOS PUSH PULL

Sunday I’ve also included the composition of my future training


program. If you wish to work on your legs, I strongly
LEGS recommend doing so at least twice a week to ensure
sufficient volume for optimal progress. Additionally, from
experience, when I only trained legs once a week in the past,
I ended up with soreness for 3 days, which hindered my
performance in other areas.

I will always maintain 2 distinct sessions, whether for push,


pull, or legs, in order to focus my attention on the areas where
I truly want to make progress (e.g., upper chest for push, quads
for legs, and rear deltoids for pull).

Saian MUREAU E-book 12


MY WARM-UP IN
WEIGHT-LIFTING

THE BENEFITS OF WARMING UP

Preparation for Exercise


BENEFIT 1 (Muscles, Joints & Mentally)

BENEFIT 2 Reduction of Injury Risk

BENEFIT 3 Improvement of Overall Performance

Here’s a video that details my warm-up routine. It may vary slightly


depending on the type of session and any tensions I might be
experiencing, but the overall structure remains the same.

Saian MUREAU E-book 13


CARDIOVASCULAR WARM-UP

JOINT WARM-UP

STRETCHING OF
WORKING AREAS

PROGRESSIVE OVERLOAD

Saian MUREAU E-book 14


WARM-UP DETAILS

1- CARDIOVASCULAR 2- JOINT WARM UP


WARM-UP

5 minutes of a low-intensity exercise We aim to warm up the joints


of your choice (treadmill, skipping involved in the workout for the day,
rope, walking, etc.). For me, I do always at low intensity (perform 15
about 5000 steps before arriving at to 20 reps per exercise).
the gym, so I can skip this step..

3- STRETCHING OF WORKING 4- PROGRESSIVE OVERLOAD


AREAS
Progressive overload will help
Stretching, in addition to relieving you complete your warm-up
some tension, helps increase effectively. The goal here is to
strength, reduce the risk of injury, gradually increase your load on
and provides a sense of lightness in your first exercise until you reach
your body. You can complement this your working weight (3-4 sets are
with some self-massage (see the sufficient, reducing the repetitions
conditioning chapter). as you approach your actual training
set).

For my part, I like to do 15-20 reps


on my first two sets, then drop to 5
reps on the third set, and finish with
1-2 reps on the fourth set.

Keep in mind that the goal of the warm-up is to ensure you feel
prepared both mentally and physically; you should not be tired
afterward, quite the opposite.

I encourage you to avoid following predefined warm-up routines.


Focus on the areas you will be working on in your session and the
tensions you may have at the moment. Ideally, don’t spend more than
10 minutes on your warm-up to avoid wasting energy and time.

Saian MUREAU E-book 15


PUSH
MONDAY - PUSH 1/3 (UPPER CHEST FOCUS)

Exercise 01 2 sets between


6 to 8 reps
Incline Smith Machine
Press 2 sets between
10 to 12 reps
(Strength+Hypertrophy) +Drop Set

2 sets between
Exercise 02 6 to 8 reps
Incline Dumbbell Press
2 sets between
10 to 12 reps
(Strength+Hypertrophy)
+Drop Set

2 sets between
Exercise 03 6 to 8 reps
Lateral Raises
3 sets between
(Strength+Hypertrophy) 15 to 20 reps
+Drop Set

Exercise 04

Triceps Extensions at 3 sets between


the Cable 12 to 15 reps

(Hypertrophy)

Exercise 05
3 sets between
Low Cable Flyes
12 to 15 reps
(Hypertrophy)

Saian MUREAU E-book 16


WEDNESDAY : PUSH 2/3 (MIDDLE - UPPER CHEST)

Exercise 01 2 sets between


6 to 8 reps
Incline Smith Machine
Press 2 sets between
10 to 12 reps
(Strength+Hypertrophy) +Drop Set

2 sets between
Exercise 02 6 to 8 reps

Machine Incline Press 2 sets between


10 to 12 reps
(Strength+Hypertrophy) +Drop Set

3 sets between
Exercise 03
6 to 8 reps
Lateral Raises
2 sets between
15 to 20 reps
(Strength+Hypertrophy)
+Drop Set

Exercise 04

Triceps Extensions at 3 sets between


the Cable 12 to 15 reps

(Hypertrophy)

Exercise 05
3 sets between
Butterfly
12 to 15 reps
(Hypertrophy)

Saian MUREAU E-book 17


FRIDAY : PUSH 3/3 (COMPLETE CHEST)

2 sets between
Exercise 01
6 to 8 reps
Seated Chess Press
2 sets between
10 to 12 reps
(Strength+Hypertrophy)
+Drop Set

2 sets between
Exercise 02 6 to 8 reps
Machine Incline Press
2 sets between
10 to 12 reps
(Strength+Hypertrophy)
+Drop Set

3 sets between
Exercise 03
6 to 8 reps
Lateral Raises
2 sets between
15 to 20 reps
(Strength+Hypertrophy)
+Drop Set

Exercise 04
2 sets between
Weighted Dips 8 to 12 reps
+Drop Set
(Hypertrophy)

Exercise 05
3 sets between
Butterfly
12 to 15 reps
(Hypertrophy)

Saian MUREAU E-book 18


PULL
THUESDAY : PULL 1/2

2 sets between
Exercise 01
6 to 8 reps
Vertical Row
3 sets between
10 to 12 reps
(Strength+Hypertrophy)
+Drop Set

2 sets between
Exercise 02 6 to 8 reps
Horizontal Row
3 sets between
10 to 12 reps
(Strength+Hypertrophy)
+Drop Set

Exercise 03
3 sets between
Pull over 10 to 12 reps
+Drop Set
(Hypertrophy)

Exercise 04
3 sets between
Reverse Pec Deck 12 to 15 reps
+Drop Set
(Hypertrophy)

Exercise 04
3 sets between
EZ Bar Curl
6 to 8 reps
(Strength)

Saian MUREAU E-book 19


Exercise 06
3 sets between
Hammer Curl
10 to 12 reps
(Hypertrophy)

Exercise 07 - 1/2

Hanging Leg Raises 3 sets MAX reps

(Superset)

Exercise 07 - 2/2

Lower back extensions 3 sets MAX reps

(Superset)

Exercise 8 (Bonus)
3 sets between
Dumbbell Wrist Curls
15 to 20 reps
(Reinforcement)

Exercise 08 V2
(Bonus)
3 sets between
Forearm Flexions on the
Cable Machine 15 to 20 reps

(Reinforcement)

Saian MUREAU E-book 20


SATURDAY : PULL 2/2

2 sets between
Exercise 01
6 to 8 reps
Weighted Pull-Ups
3 sets between
10 to 12 reps
(Strength+Hypertrophy)
+Drop Set

2 sets between
Exercise 02
6 to 8 reps
Machine Rowing
3 sets between
10 to 12 reps
(Strength+Hypertrophy)
+Drop Set

Exercise 03
3 sets between
Unilateral Row 10 to 12 reps
+Drop Set
(Hypertrophy)

Exercise 04
3 sets between
Reverse Pec Deck 12 to 15 reps
+Drop Set
(Hypertrophy)

Exercise 05
3 sets between
EZ Bar Curl 6 to 8 reps
+Drop Set
(Strength)

Saian MUREAU E-book 21


Exercise 06
3 sets between
Hammer Curl 10 to 12 reps
+Drop Set
(Hypertrophy)

Exercise 07 - 1/2

Hanging Leg Raises 3 sets MAX reps

(Superset)

Exercise 07 - 2/2

Lower back extensions 3 sets MAX reps

(Superset)

Exercise 8 (Bonus)
3 sets between
Dumbbell Wrist Curls
15 to 20 reps
(Reinforcement)

Exercise 08 V2
(Bonus)
3 sets between
Forearm Flexions on the
15 to 20 reps
Cable Machine

(Reinforcement)

Saian MUREAU E-book 22


DETAILED
EXPLANATIONS

PUSH 1/2
You may have already noticed, but my arms are far from being a weak
point for me, thanks to my genetics and the frequency at which I train
them “involuntarily” through calisthenics.

Therefore, I focus my push sessions around what I consider to be my


biggest lagging point : My upper chest.

CLAVICULAR HEAD STERNAL HEAD STERNO-COSTAL HEAD

UPPER CHEST MIDDLE OF THE CHEST LOWER CHEST

Saian MUREAU E-book 23


Since this is my weak point, I put a lot of intensity and volume
into it, which is why I have three sessions per week, divided into
one session for each part of the chest to ensure well-proportioned
pectorals.

There will be only one exercise for shoulders and triceps in the
session, but it’s more than enough given the volume per week
that I produce and the intensity I put into my sets.

Indeed, I tend to use low volume in a session and prioritize


intensity and weekly volume.

I go to failure on almost every set.

This is a really crucial factor if you want to progress in this sport.

- IMPORTANT

TEMPO

REST

EXERCISES Source : Delavier Method

PROGRESSION

VOLUME, INTENSITY, FREQUENCY

+ IMPORTANT ADHERENCE

Don’t try to include 6, 7, or 8 exercises for the same muscle group


in your training.

Three exercises, taken to failure with high intensity and an


adequate weekly volume, are more than enough to progress
optimally.

Saian MUREAU E-book 24


PULL 2/2
Like with the push session, the hypertrophy focus won’t be on the arms.
For biceps, I mainly perform my exercises with a focus on strength,
except for hammer curls, which target the brachialis muscle—a muscle
that is rarely engaged in calisthenics.

The hypertrophy focus will therefore be on the back, as well as on key


muscles like the rear delts and lower back.

The sessions are relatively similar, but I alternate between rowing and
horizontal pulls for the «thickness» of the back, and vertical pulls and
weighted pull-ups for the «width.»

*I use quotation marks because «width» and «thickness» don’t mean


much, but you get the idea.*

Saian MUREAU E-book 25


INTENSIFICATION
TECHNIQUES

DROPSETS : SUPERSET :

This method involves performing Performing two exercises back-


one or more successive drops in to-back without rest for different
weight after reaching the desired muscle groups, ideally opposing
number of repetitions. ones.

Example: I do 8 reps at 100 kg This is one of the few intensity


on the bench press and can’t techniques that I truly endorse.
complete the 9th rep. Instead of It’s very useful when you’re
stopping the set, I immediately short on time or when you want
reduce the weight to 80 kg and to intentionally increase the
perform 10-12 reps, then drop the intensity of a workout.
weight further to 60 kg, and so
on.

TEMPO ? EGO-LIFT ?

I’m not a fan of tempo execution, I sometimes do a bit of ‘ego


or at least, I’m not anymore. lifting,’ which means slightly
From my experience, I can easily compromising the execution to
say that I have gained very little lift heavier.
benefit from tempo training. However, it’s important to set
Instead, I now aim to always limits. If you’re using a bit of
be explosive on the ascent and momentum or swinging slightly
control the descent. I never during the repetitions, it can be
intentionally slow down a beneficial. But, if you completely
repetition. If you’re comfortable alter the movement, it’s just
enough to adjust the tempo with stupid and dangerous. So, ego
a weight, it means you’re simply lifting YES, but in moderation.
not lifting heavy enough.

Saian MUREAU E-book 26


MUSCLE BUILDING
TIPS

01 - BASIC TIPS

GOING TO FAILURE, BUT REAL FAILURE

Some people don’t understand why they’re plateauing even though


they have 4-5 reps left in reserve after each set. To make progress, you
need to get closer to muscular failure. Train at 100% if you want the right
results.

GET TO THE POINT

If you’re a beginner, focus on what really matters. Don’t overthink it :


Compound exercises, 4-5 workouts per week, at least 8 hours of sleep, a
balanced diet, and that will already be great !

DRINK WATER BETWEEN UR SETS

It might seem trivial, but it’s very important and often overlooked,
whether it’s for performance, congestion, injury prevention, etc.
Really, there are only benefits to drinking water during your workout.
If you’re not doing it, I encourage you to try it and see the difference for
yourself.

USE HEAVY WEIGHTS

Of course, you need to lift a minimum amount of weight in your sets;


you won’t make progress by sticking with the same weight. So forget
what you hear about «volitional contraction»—it’s effective, yes, but it
shouldn’t make up the majority of your workout.

Saian MUREAU E-book 27


NO MIRACLE EXERCISES

Basic exercises are the best.


Don’t waste your time trying 50 variations of an exercise; always
prioritize the pyramid approach (see p. 24).

THE KEY MUSCLES

Give importance to the «key muscles», which are often underdeveloped,


if you want to achieve an aesthetic physique.
Upper chest, rear deltoids, traps, lower back, adductors...

OPTIMIZE YOUR DAILY ROUTINE

Always strive to optimize your daily routine.


Training properly is one thing, but don’t overlook other areas such as
nutrition, sleep, and recovery.

FILM YOUR EXECUTION

Constantly film yourself, varying the angles to analyze your movement


paths and perfect your technique.
If your form isn’t right, it’s no surprise if you’re stagnating.

Saian MUREAU E-book 28


02 - GAME-CHANGING TIPS
NO EMOTIONAL ATTACHMENT

Don’t get too attached to a specific training method or particular


exercises. Continuously reassess your approach, even after months or
years of training.
For instance, I started with bodyweight training and saw good results,
but that doesn’t mean it’s the best way to build muscle.

« SAVING ENERGY FOR LATER ? »

When you train, you should never «save energy» for your later sets.
Give it your all from the start—this is when your workout counts the
most, when you still have all your energy available.
If you «save energy» for upcoming sets or exercises out of fear of not
being able to maintain intensity, then your training structure is flawed.

« I FEEL GOOD SENSATIONS »

Don’t rely solely on the pump to track your progress.


Just because an exercise gives you a great muscle pump and feels
effective doesn’t mean you’ll necessarily make progress.
For example, you might do 50 push-ups and get a strong pump, but
that doesn’t mean you’ll build muscle effectively.

MIND-MUSCLE CONNEXION

If you struggle to feel a muscle working during an exercise


(for example, you don’t feel your chest working during bench press), try
doing a few isolation sets during your warm-up.
Actively contract the muscle to increase neural activation and help you
better feel the muscle working

Saian MUREAU E-book 29


Monday Tuesday Wednesay
100% INTENSITY 50% INTENSITY 100% INTENSITY
Une séance basé 2 jours de repos
sur mon «feeling» dans la semaine

MA PROGRAMMATION

Thursday Friday Saturday


REST 100% INTENSITY 50-100% FEELING

Sunday
REST

x5 x2

Saian MUREAU E-book 30


Before detailing the program, I would like to revisit an ESSENTIAL point:

I used to think that having a solid As a result, I tested many methods


training program in this sport was to finally arrive at what I’m going to
complicated, given that performance present in this E-Book. Taking into
is heavily influenced by your nervous account a parameter I had previously
system, which tends to be somewhat overlooked:
unpredictable.

For example, I would sometimes ‘THE INTENSITY OF A SESSION’


impose rest days on myself in the
past when my nervous system didn’t The goal here is to deliberately regulate
actually need them, and vice versa. I the intensity of a session in order to
concluded that it was better to go by avoid ‘burning out’ your nervous system
‘feeling’ and adjust my workout based by trying to go all out every time.
on my daily energy levels.
The training plan therefore includes:
Basically, if I felt good, I would have an -Training sessions with varying intensity
intense workout; if I felt tired, I would levels.
have a lighter workout; and if I was -5 workouts per week to ensure
really exhausted, I’d take a rest day. sufficient training volume.
-A precise and adaptable training
This approach works, but it’s clearly structure for every situation.
not compatible with bodybuilding
where achieving optimal progress is
IMPOSSIBLE without a
precise training plan.

Summary of My Training Plan :

5 TRAININGS / WEEK DIFFERENT LEVELS OF A PRECISE AND ADAPTABLE


INTENSITY TRAINING STRUCTURE

Saian MUREAU E-book 31


DETAILS OF A 100%
INTENSITY SESSION
01 - WARM-UP

LIGHT STRETCHING

TENSION ZONE
STRENGHTENING

WARM-UP SETS

Saian MUREAU E-book 32


Over time, my warm-up routine has changed significantly. When I first started, I would
spend 15-20 minutes warming up before every session to avoid injuries. However, as I
reached a higher level, I quickly realized that the risk of injury increases
proportionally with the intensity of the exercises, and doing a few elbow or wrist
rotations isn’t enough to protect your body.

For example, at my current level, exercises like a full press or a front touch serve as my
«warm-up.»

The warm-up has become very specific; I’ve learned to adapt it based on my muscle
tension, what I’m about to work on, and the confidence I have in my body at that
moment.

My current warm-up lasts between 0 to 10 minutes (sometimes none at all if I feel


mentally ready).

Again, this approach isn’t for everyone, so if you’re a beginner or intermediate,


I recommend spending more time on your warm-up. I encourage you to watch this old
video, which showcases the warm-up routine I used for a long time:

CLICK ON THE IMAGE OR SCAN THE QR CODE TO


ACCESS THE VIDEO IN QUESTION.

Saian MUREAU E-book 33


02 - STENGHT AND VOLUME TRAINING

EXAMPLE OF PUSH VOLUME

- X-X-X in planche (Chain push ups, press and hold without rest)
- Max malteses press
- Max push up to press
- Max press
- Max hold to press

The goal here is to maximize volume and push myself to the limit
while I still have energy. I usually perform this work on parallettes.

The form doesn’t have to be perfect; I’m mainly focused on pushing my


boundaries and improving my max performances.

This is the most important part of the program because it’s that extra
press or push-up that, when accumulated, will lead to improvement.

Saian MUREAU E-book 34


EXAMPLE OF PULL VOLUME

- X pull up to touch
- Max hold touch

There isn’t a set number of sets; some days I can do ten sets, while
other days it’s only 4 or 5. There’s an element of randomness in the
nervous system, as mentioned earlier, which makes it difficult to
determine an exact number of sets in advance.

The goal is to push myself to the limit and always aim to improve my
max performance.

03 -FLOOR WORK AND COMBOS

I perform floor work combos based on what I enjoy, spending more


or less time on them depending on the energy I’ve expended
previously.

For example, if I’m really into doing combos on a given day, I might
have only done 2 or 3 volume sets to save energy for the combos.

Conversely, if I’m not too keen on doing combos, I’ll use all my
energy in the volume work to progress as much as possible.

Saian MUREAU E-book 35


My combos include :

- OAP work (One arm planche) - Balance work (OAH/OAF)

- Planche work & Variations - Maltese work

The ideal is to create combos that blend these elements together.

Saian MUREAU E-book 36


Examples of combos

Maltese press OAH OAF to OAP Transition Fingers


EXAMPLE 01
Negative + Transition fingers to palme Hold 3sec

Supination PU x3 Press OAH TO OAP


EXAMPLE 02
OAP TO OAH Negative full hold

OAP Glued arm PU Press HSPU clap to maltese


EXAMPLE 03
Max hold

30-45MIN END GOAL : Out of energy

These are just examples, of course. Again, I adapt based on my current energy
levels and what I really want to work on at that moment.

SaÏan
SaianMUREAU
MUREAU E-book 37
04 - PROPRIOCEPTION WORK

I always do 2–3 sets of plank and front lever with a heavy resistance band
(typically -15kg).

It’s important for me to do this at the end of the session because it allows me to finish
on a positive note and to reinforce the good sensations.

It’s probably psychological, but it feels like it cancels out the «bad form» from the
volume work at the beginning of the session, by reminding my body of the proper
muscle engagement when performing planche or front lever.

Proprioception training is based on the sensations I experienced during the session.


For example, if I had trouble maintaining height during negatives or push-ups, I will
focus on that with the resistance band. It can also involve working on transitions or
very specific skills.

Saian MUREAU E-book 38


DETAILS OF A 50%
INTENSITY SESSION
Typical Training Session Example

VOLUME WITH ELASTIC BANDS


(-15KG)

LIGHT COMBOS
(BALANCE,MINIMAL VOLUME)

FORM WORK & VERY LIGHT


REINFORCEMENT (1-2 SETS)

The goal here is mainly to rest the nervous system while continuing to anchor
trajectories and stimulate the nervous influx. We maintain a similar structure with the
same number of sets but reduce the intensity by half (50%).

For example, if my maximum hold in a supine position is about 20 seconds, then I will
never go above 10 seconds.

Saian MUREAU E-book 39


IN-DEPTH EXPLANATION
OF INTENSITY PERCENTAGE
Managing energy levels is an extremely complex task. This is something I have only
recently delved into.

Previously, as mentioned, I relied on a «feeling-based» approach, assuming that it was


impossible to predict my energy levels in advance. However, after spending months
exploring this issue and trying various methods,
I developed the program you have seen.

The structure works perfectly for me, and I have been using it for several months now,
experiencing consistent progress (while also gaining weight).

I will explain my reasoning and process so that you can use this information to create a
program tailored to your needs.

HOW MANY WORKOUT PER WEEK AND FOR HOW LONG ?

One of the first things to consider when creating your program is the weekly volume
you’ll be doing.

I see many athletes doing 2.5-hour workouts, sometimes even 3 or 4 hours, three times
a week, and then wondering why they’re not progressing.

Don’t underestimate the importance of weekly volume. What matters most


for progress in calisthenics is consistency and regularity. Doing 3-hour workouts will
just take you two days to recover, leaving you with very little volume for the rest of the
week.

So, there’s no point in doing workouts longer than 2 hours every day if your goal is
to progress in this sport. Opt for shorter, more frequent sessions that allow for easier
recovery and enable you to train almost daily. Ideally, 5 to 7 workouts per week is best.
(Anything less and you’re clearly lacking weekly volume.)

For my part, I’ve chosen 5 workouts per week (in addition to strength training).

Saian MUREAU E-book 40


HOW TO DETERMINE YOUR INTENSITY % ?

How to Know if I’m Training at 100%, 75%, 50% or If I Should


Take a Rest Day?

To determine your % of intensity, it’s important to understand that training to failure


every day is strictly unnecessary. Doing so will only exhaust your nervous system and
force you to take weeks off to recover.

Each % should be carefully considered. You’ll need to test and learn about yourself.
You should be able to gauge your energy level for the day based on the intensity you
put in the previous day, the type of workout you did (whether you focused on combos,
did volume, worked on balances, etc.).

100% sessions should be your priority. These are the most intense sessions where you
push beyond your limits. You should be in good shape and push to failure on your sets.
You should have no energy left after this session.

50% sessions are useful for maximizing weekly volume for those who struggle with
consecutive days of training.
They allow you to continue working while recovering. You can work on your form,
sensations, balances, and have fun without really pushing hard.

Sessions between 70% and 90% represent a middle ground. I don’t usually do them,
but if you can train multiple days in a row without issues, this might be a good way
to increase your weekly volume without burning out your nervous system.

Never go below 50%, even when you’re exhausted. If you can’t manage that in-
tensity, it’s better to take a rest day; it will be more beneficial

Saian MUREAU E-book 41


HOW TO DETERMINE YOUR % OF INTENSITY ?

Now that you know how many times to train per week and at what intensity level,
you need to plan your sessions and decide which workouts to perform.

The distribution of training days should be personalized and based


on the following factors:

01 - Your recovery ability


02 - Your schedule/lifestyle

Some people perform better after two days of rest, while others may be better during
their third consecutive workout, and so on. For me, I am CLEARLY better after a day of
rest. Therefore, I schedule my 100% intensity sessions right after a rest day. By doing
this, I have more or less planned my sessions throughout the week.

However, simply scheduling sessions at 100% intensity, you can see that I clearly do not
have enough volume throughout the week. This is when I looked into varying intensity
levels to maximize my weekly volume.

So, I replaced Tuesday with a 50% intensity session, which allows me to continue
working without exhausting myself, with the goal of performing at 100% the next day.

Lastly, I replaced Saturday with a «Feeling» session. It’s the only day I adapt based on
how I feel. Why?

01 - Because it’s the end of the week, and the following day is a rest day..

02 - Even though I manage my energy levels well, it’s not always perfect. So, if I haven’t
completely exhausted myself the day before, I’ll feel good on Saturday, and it would be
a shame to limit myself.

03 - The body is a machine that adapts to the demands you place on it. As I mentioned
earlier, your recovery capacity is genetic and varies from person to person, but it can
improve
Over time, my body has adapted to this volume, and training two days in a row at
100% intensity is no longer a problem. That’s why I allow myself to adjust the intensity
percentage on Saturday based on how I feel.

Saian MUREAU E-book 42


MY TIPS FOR
CALLISTHENICS
Here are some tips that I try to apply daily during my sessions, and that
you should also incorporate :

01 - MINDSET
BELIEVE IN YOUR POTENTIAL

Before attempting a planche, a front lever, or any challenging move, you need to be
confident and convince yourself that it’s easy and that you will succeed.

Imagine it’s your fourth workout of the week and your performance has been below
average. It’s clearly a bad week, and that’s normal—it’s part of the progression process.
No one can be constantly improving.

You might start with negative thoughts like, “It’s a terrible week,” “I’ve lost my level,” “I
can’t do anything anymore,” etc.

That’s literally the WORST thing you can do. By doing so, you’re setting yourself up for
failure. Instead, remember that each session is different. There are aspects you can’t
control, and over the course of 365 days, you won’t have 365 perfect sessions. It doesn’t
exist.

Every new session, reset your emotions. Never doubt yourself in this sport.

ALWAYS STAY POSITIVE

In line with the previous advice, always try to stay positive.


It’s normal to feel frustrated or angry when you don’t achieve a goal, but those
emotions shouldn’t overshadow your positive outlook.
If you don’t succeed at something, it’s okay—focus on succeeding in the next session.

Redirect your energy towards what you can do now. You’ll encounter many challen-
ging days, so maintain a positive attitude when they arise.

Saian MUREAU E-book 43


AIM FOR HIGHER AND HIGHER GOALS

Set Higher and Higher Goals

For example, if your max press is 4 reps, then your goal should be to achieve 5 reps in
your next session. The only way to progress in this sport is to constantly push beyond
your limits. Your current maxes should become your bad days in the future.

With this mindset, you’ll keep improving; otherwise, you’ll remain at the same level.

THE POWER OF VISUALIZATION

Visualization can significantly enhance your performance.


For instance, when attempting a planche, imagine yourself with a resistance band
around your hips. By strongly believing in this visualization, you may feel lighter. While
it’s a placebo effect, it can still have a notable impact, especially given the importance
of psychology in our sport.

ENJOY WHAT YOU DO

It’s important to seek improvement with discipline, but personal enjoyment should
come first. As humans, our emotions play a big role in our motivation.
If you’re not enjoying certain aspects of your training, you may gradually lose your
drive.

On the other hand, if you focus too much on having fun, you might lose some of your
performance. Therefore, find a balance between striving for performance and enjoying
yourself, as both are closely interconnected.

HAVE THE RIGHT INTENSIONS

It’s Essential to Put Intention into What You Do.

Whether warming up or during your sets, you need to push yourself. You might feel
like you’re giving it your all, but if you’re not deploying your full strength, you’re not
truly maximizing your effort.
Having the right intention means, for example, gripping the bars with all your might
before a planche, actively pushing for height, injecting explosiveness into your presses,
and speed into your push-ups.
The same principle applies to all skills, not just the planche.

So, put intention into your training!


Give your best in everything you do; every set counts.

Saian MUREAU E-book 44


02 - GENERAL TIPS
Basic Tips

ELASTIC BAND SHOULD BE VERTICAL

Always position yourself slightly behind the bar when attaching your band, so that it
pulls parallel to you rather than towards the back or front.

THE CORRECT GRIP FOR PLANCHE

Don’t break your wrist (at least not excessively) when performing planches. Try to stay
aligned with the bar to achieve maximum height and avoid putting too much stress on
your elbows.

Note that some bars are specially designed to prevent wrist strain, such as parallel bars
in a gym or bars from “Pull and Dip”. These are good options if you tend to break your
wrist by habit.

Saian MUREAU E-book 45


YOU NEED TO REST ENOUGH

Take adequate rest during your training. It’s not uncommon to see some athletes rush
through combos out of «excitement» or just to keep up with others. Take the time to
breathe, visualize, and drink water before each combo. It’s a shame to potentially miss
out on impressive performances simply due to a lack of patience.

I’m not suggesting you time your rest periods, but just don’t rush things!

Secret Tips

ELASTIC BAND, YES BUT WISELY

Don’t become dependent on the resistance band. It’s a great tool for progress, but only if
used correctly. Don’t overuse it, or you might lose confidence when you take it off or lose
your sense of bodyweight control, which is the opposite of what band work is supposed
to provide.

« NEGLECT P-BARS ? »

Don’t neglect your work on parallel bars.

This is something I wish I had known earlier : They’re literally the best support for working
on your technique (easier protraction, less loss of balance, etc.), also easier for improving
your volume, and being safer for your joints.
If, like me, you’re a fan of floor combos or enjoy doing rings, don’t overlook your work on
parallel bars if you want to keep progressing. (See the program on p.34)

THE HEAD GUIDES THE TRAJECTORY

The trajectory of your head will have a direct impact on your form and performance,
whether in a planche, a one-arm pull-up, etc. For example, simply tucking your head at
the end of your press can drastically change the difficulty of the movement.

Saian MUREAU E-book 46


I’m often asked about nutrition: whether I pay attention to what I eat, what I eat to stay
muscular, and whether it’s necessary to eat before a workout or not?

In this section, I answer all your questions.

With my diet, I aim for several things :

01 - To gain lean muscle

02 - To feel energetic during my workouts

03 - To stay healthy and avoid deficiencies

04 - To feel good mentally and enjoy life

Saian MUREAU E-book 47


01
Indeed, it’s important for me to prioritize a «lean» muscle gain, and here’s why :

I like to stay lean year-round. As a calisthenics athlete, I need to maintain a


certain weight to continue performing well in the sport. Additionally, it’s very
pleasant to look lean even in winter.
I’m not aiming for an EXTREMELY massive physique.
My primary goals are performance and aesthetics. That’s why I prefer a lean and
athletic physique over a bulky and «soft» one.

02
To feel in shape during my workouts, it is crucial for me to eat beforehand. This
varies for each individual, depending on personal habits, the time of day you
train, and the type of workout you’re doing.
For me, when preparing for a calisthenics workout, I always eat lightly
beforehand to avoid feeling too heavy. However, when preparing for a weight
training session, I prefer to have a full stomach 30 minutes to an hour before,
focusing on carbohydrates to fuel my energy.

03 I will answer the first question from the introduction:


YES, I eat cleanly.
I’m not on a strict “diet” per se, but I try to be as clean as possible by eating a
balanced diet (fruits, vegetables, meats, starchy foods, nuts, etc.).

04
It’s important for me to eat well, but it shouldn’t be obsessive. I don’t calculate
every macro, deprive myself of dining out with my girlfriend during the week, or
avoid certain foods because I might exceed my calorie total, etc.

Diet is an important factor, but I don’t want it to interfere with my social life,
frustrate me, or impact my happiness in any way. I’ve always managed to
progress this way, so it works perfectly for me.

Saian MUREAU E-book 48


INFORMATIONS ON MY
«DIET»
I always eat until I don’t count my
i’m FULL macronutrients

I have a naturally lean genetics As I mentioned earlier, I prefer


with a metabolism that burns off to prioritize my mental health
calories very quickly. Combine rather than fussing over details.
that with my 10 workouts per However, that doesn’t mean I
week and my 15k steps per day to leave things to chance.
get to the gym, and it becomes I always aim for approximately:
nearly impossible for me to gain
2g of protein per kg of body weight
fat. It’s a unique lifestyle that (140g for 70kg)
allows me to eat as much as I
want while continuously building 3-4g of carbohydrates per kg of body
lean muscle over time. weight (210-280g for 70kg)

This way, I never deprive myself 1g of fat per kg of body weight


of anything, I stay performance- (70g for 70kg)
oriented in my sport, and I build
a physique that I’m happy with
I used to meticulously calculate
without stressing about my diet.
my macros and calories in the
past, so with my experience, I can
I focus on eating quality food in
generally estimate the number
large quantities.
of calories and macros on my
plate without having to weigh
everything or pay too much
attention.

I drink about 3L of water / day I dont take dietaty supplements

Having tried many supplements


Literally, there are only benefits (creatine, zinc, magnesium, BCAAs,
to drinking plenty of water collagen, whey, etc.),
it’s not something I would
throughout the day. Whether
recommend.
it’s reducing the risk of injury,
improving your performance, If you have a rich and varied diet,
enhancing your skin, increasing then it’s clearly not necessary; to
your energy levels, etc. me, it’s more about marketing than
anything else.
In short, drink water.

Saian MUREAU E-book 49


MY WEEKLY CALORIC
TOTAL
MY RECIPES :

BREAKFAST
585 kcal

-1 Banana
-2 Slices of whole grain bread
-15g of peanut butter
-10g of honey
-1 Glass of apple juice
-1 Coffee

LUNCH
801 kcal

- 3 Eggs
- 125g of whole grain pasta
-100g of blueberry skyr
-1 Apple

SNACKS
300 kcal

- 2 Squares of 90% dark chocolate


- 1 Banana
- 1 Glass of fruit juice

Saian MUREAU E-book 50


DINNER
1056 kcal

Starter
- 1 Avocado
-15g Cherry tomatoes
-25g Mozzarella
-15g Salad greens
-1 tablespoon Olive oil
-1 tablespoon Balsamic vinegar

Main course
- 250g Lean minced beef (5% fat)
-150g Brown rice
-15g Tomato sauce

Dessert
- 1 Applesauce
-1 Bunch of grapes

TOTAL CALORIC INTAKE FOR


THE DAY : 2742 KCAL

Saian MUREAU E-book 51


When engaging in high-intensity sports, your muscles, tendons, and joints are put to the test.
Therefore, it is crucial for me to adopt a stretching routine to optimize tendon, joint,
and muscle recovery.

I will detail a routine that I perform every morning and/or evening. It will vary depending on the
day. I select the areas I want to focus on based on my current tensions, but, “like with warming
up,” the overall structure of this routine remains the same.

Saian MUREAU E-book 52


MY RECOMMENDED TOOLS
FOR YOUR ROUTINE

WOODEN STICK

This tool helps stretch specific areas


(forearms, back) and is truly essential,
though not many people are aware of
it. I recommend choosing a stick that is
both sturdy and lightweight enough to
handle easily,
and as straight as possible.

Hardware store

ELASTIC BANDS
(BETWEEN -5 AND 15KG)

These bands have a relatively similar


use but offer more options. They allow
you to work on flexibility and
strengthen specific areas such as the
rotator cuff, biceps, and rear shoulders.

Decathlon / Amazon

DUMBELLS

These are very practical for


strengthening exercises, particularly for
wrists and forearms. Ideally, having a
range of weights available
(2-3 kg and 5 kg are perfect) allows for a
more versatile and effective workout.

Decathlon / Amazon

Saian MUREAU E-book 53


MASSAGE ROLLER
This tool helps relieve deep-seated
tension in the back, obliques, and
intercostals. There are various types of
rollers available;

I recommend starting with a softer


roller. Once you’re accustomed to it,
you can progress to a firmer model or
one with small spikes.

Decathlon / Amazon

MASSAGE BALL
Similar to the roller, this tool targets
deep tension but with greater
precision. It allows you to address
specific «trigger points» that might be
harder to reach with a roller.
Start with a comfortable ball, like a
tennis ball, and then move on to firmer
balls with spikes as needed. These two
tools complement each other well in
your routine.

Decathlon / Amazon

ESSENTIAL OIL (WELEDA)


After testing various essential oils and
massage oils, Weleda stands out as the
most effective.

It helps with different types of


tendinitis, muscle soreness, and
fatigue. Apply it, especially after a hot
shower in the evening, before bed for
the best results.

Pharmacy / Amazon

TIGER BALM

This is very effective for warming up


muscles before a session or when
recovering from an injury.

It can also help if you feel tension in a


specific area.

Amazon

Saian MUREAU E-book 54


MY STRETCHING
ROUTINE
01 - STRETCHING FROM HEAD TO FEET
LOWER BODY

ADDUCTOR STRETCHES

HARMSTRING STRETCHES

Saian MUREAU E-book 55


QUADRICEPS STRETCHES

UPPER BODY

LUMBAR STRETCHES

Saian MUREAU E-book 56


BACK STRETCHES

FOREARM FOCUS STRETCHES

*The grip you use with your stick will drastically change the area of stretching. In
reverse grip, it’s one of the best exercises for treating shin splints.*

Saian MUREAU E-book 57


WRIST AND FOREARM STRETCHES

*The wrists and forearms are anatomically related. Pain in the forearm can potentially be
alleviated by stretching the wrist, and vice versa.*

OBLIQUE AND INTERCOSTAL STRETCHES

*Literally the best stretches to do if you want to train your One Arm Planche (OAP)*

Saian MUREAU E-book 58


DELTOID STRETCHES

BICEPS STRETCHES

*In supination*

Saian MUREAU E-book 59


02 - CONDITIONING AND ACTIVATIONS

1- CONDITIONING

WRISTS AND FOREARMS ROTATOR CUFF WRISTS AND FOREARMS

2- ACTIVATIONS

PLANCHES HANDSTAND & HSPU PUSH UPS

Saian MUREAU E-book 60


DIFFERENCE ENTRE ACTIVATION ET CONDITIONNEMENT

I combine conditioning and activation in my routine because they are highly


complementary.

I refer to «conditioning» as the light strengthening of certain vulnerable areas like the
wrists and rotator cuff.

I refer to «activations» as performing basic bodyweight exercises at low intensity to


wake up the body. This could include push-ups, pull-ups, handstands, and a few small
planche variations, etc.

*If you’re doing your routine in the evening, I wouldn’t necessarily recommend doing very intense
activations. It’s more suitable for a morning routine.*

03 SELF-MASSAGES

*Spend more or less time on areas where you feel tension.*

Saian MUREAU E-book 61


MUSCLE BUILDING GOALS

1- PHYSICALLY

From a physical perspective, my main goal is to get close to 70kg while staying very
lean and addressing most of my weak points.

2- PERFORMANCE

I have several major performance goals for exercises I particularly enjoy:

- 1RM EZ Bar Curl at 80KG (with good form)


- Perform lateral raise sets at 30kg
-100 x 10 reps on Dips
-50 x 10 reps on Pull-ups
-Recover +50 Handstand Push-ups

Saian MUREAU E-book 62


CALLISTHENICS GOALS

1- MAIN GOAL

The most important things for me right now are :

- Continue to progress while gaining weight to get closer to my «physique goal.»


- Rediscover my passion and love for the sport as I had in 2019-2020.

2- PERFORMANCES

As with weight training, I have several major performance goals in mind :

- Increase volume (a 10-10-10 on p-bars would be a major goal, my max being 8-8-8 but
at 58kg, not 70kg…)
- Maintain my fluidity and flow in my floor combos
- Create new floor combos
- One-arm planche push up perfect form with glued arm
- One-arm planche with perfect form on both arms

GLOBAL GOALS

It is important for me to prioritize my goals and not scatter my efforts in all


directions. I want to achieve my goals one by one, as trying to do too many things si-
multaneously often leads to achieving nothing.

I want to continue doing what I love, living my passion, and developing both
physically and mentally.

I also want to continue motivating as many people as possible to push themselves eve-
ry day. I aim to demonstrate that you can have it all in life when you deeply love what
you do and that hard work always pays off, no matter how long it takes.

More generally, I aim to excel in both sports and to inspire others.

Saian MUREAU E-book 63


CONCLUSION OF THE E-BOOK

In this E-Book, you have literally all the actions taken and the mindset that have al-
lowed me to achieve my physique and current level while being 100% natural (which,
unfortunately, has become quite rare these days).

I have never had the best predispositions for anything. If you are the type to find ex-
cuses, I hope this E-Book opens your eyes to the fact that with the right knowledge
and effort, you too can succeed.

I do not claim to have all the answers to everything. The entire E-Book is based on my 7
years of experience and the numerous feedback from scientific studies and students I
have coached over time.

I am always continuing to learn, which is why I will make occasional updates if I find
interesting information to share.

LINKS OF VIDEOS :

LINK BODY
https://youtu.be/4cXszPUr2HQ?si=rtx0O5h0E51LC_N7

LINK CALLISTHENICS
https://youtu.be/OuQYdYCDIFQ?si=yqezQ3sPek0MnFQh

LINK RECUPERATION
https://youtu.be/vJK5bEib6GA?si=04y967YrAJTEqGopa

Saian MUREAU E-book 64


This program and its contents are the property of
Saïan MUREAU. All rights reserved.

Any redistribution or reproduction of part of the entire contents


in any form is prohibited,except for printing or downloading for
personal use.

Saian MUREAU E-book 65

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