#282 – M.E.D. Masterclass #8: Accessory Lifts and Q&A

Coach Matt wraps up the eight and final installment of the MED (Minimum Effective Dose) Masterclass on programming with a discussion on incorporating accessory lifts into any program.

In general, accessories allow a lifter to get extra volume, extra “work,” which can drive hypertrophy gains and thus support strength gains in the long term. However, unlike the main barbell lifts and supplemental lifts, accessories cannot be done at high intensities, so they are best chosen when the lifter needs more volume and hypertrophy without stressing their joints and connective tissue. Accessories are rarely, if ever, mandatory for a lifter, but they are useful when controlling the amount of stress on these other non-muscle tissues is important.