Josh Bryant, a renowned strength coach, powerlifting champion, author, and all-around great guy, has developed a unique lexicon of training terms, methodologies, and cues that he frequently uses in his coaching and educational materials. Below is a sample of key terms and concepts associated with Josh Bryant’s coaching philosophy:

Strength Training Terms Used by Josh Bryant

Training Methods & Principles

• Jailhouse Strong – Bryant’s signature training philosophy focused on functional strength, explosive power, and mental toughness, inspired by prison-style training.
• Compensatory Acceleration Training (CAT) – The principle of applying maximum force to a lift throughout the entire range of motion to improve power and muscle recruitment.
• Explosive Power Training – Using submaximal loads lifted with maximal acceleration to develop power and force output.
• Rest-Pause Training – A hypertrophy and strength method where a set is broken into multiple mini-sets with short rest periods, pushing beyond failure.
• Cluster Sets – Performing a set with intra-set rest periods, allowing for heavier loads or more reps.
• Time Under Tension (TUT) Emphasis – Using controlled eccentrics, pauses, and tempo variations to maximize muscle engagement.
• Supramaximal Training – Using loads beyond a lifter’s 1RM for partials, static holds, or negative reps to build neural efficiency and confidence under heavy weight.
• Submaximal Training – Performing lifts at submaximal intensity while maintaining maximal acceleration and technical proficiency.

Workout Structures & Techniques

• Bench Press Launch Position – A technique cue that emphasizes setting the bar path for explosive pressing mechanics.
• Speed Work – Lifting lighter weights at maximum velocity to improve rate of force development.
• Heavy Overloads – Using bands, chains, or partial range-of-motion lifts to expose the body to greater-than-maximal loads.
• Isometric Holds – Static contractions used to develop starting strength and tendon resilience.
• Yielding Isometrics – Holding a weight in a fixed position to increase muscular endurance and control.
• Overcoming Isometrics – Pushing or pulling against an immovable object to maximize force output.
• Powerbuilding – A hybrid approach combining bodybuilding hypertrophy methods with powerlifting strength techniques.

Exercise Variations

• Spoto Press – A bench press variation where the bar is paused just above the chest to enhance control and eliminate momentum.
• Dead Bench Press – A press starting from pins at chest level, emphasizing explosive strength off the chest.
• Feet-Up Bench Press – A variation to remove leg drive and isolate upper-body pressing power.
• Anderson Squats – Squats starting from the bottom position (off pins), emphasizing overcoming inertia.
• Trap Bar Deadlifts for Speed – Using a trap bar for explosive deadlifts to increase power and minimize spinal stress.
• Floor Press – A partial ROM bench press variation used to develop lockout strength.
• JM Press – A hybrid between a close-grip bench press and a skull crusher for triceps strength.
• Hatfield Squat – A safety bar squat variation where hands are placed on support handles for balance and overload.
• Reverse Band Deadlift – Using resistance bands to reduce weight at the bottom of the lift, accommodating natural strength curves.
• Deficit Deadlifts – Standing on an elevated surface to increase the range of motion and strengthen the initial pull.
• Deadstop Reps – Exercises performed from a completely motionless position to eliminate momentum.

Strength Development Concepts

• Rate of Force Development (RFD) – The ability to generate maximal force in minimal time.
• Speed-Strength vs. Strength-Speed – The distinction between prioritizing velocity (speed-strength) versus force production (strength-speed).
• Neuromuscular Efficiency – Enhancing the nervous system’s ability to recruit motor units for strength output.
• Grip Strength Specialization – Prioritizing direct grip training for improved deadlifts, carries, and overall lifting performance.
• Mental Toughness & Grit – Developing a resilient mindset through challenging training and discipline.

Programming & Progression

• Linear Progression – A traditional strength approach where weight is increased incrementally over time.
• Wave Loading – A strength progression system that cycles through different intensities and rep ranges within a session or training block.
• Auto-Regulation – Adjusting training intensity based on daily performance rather than fixed percentages.
• Max Effort vs. Dynamic Effort – The conjugate-style distinction between lifting at near-maximal intensity (Max Effort) versus using submaximal loads with high velocity (Dynamic Effort).
• Peak Week Strategies – Tapering and fine-tuning training leading up to a competition to optimize strength and recovery.

Josh Bryant’s Coaching Cues & Motivational Phrases

• “Fast Twitch Freaks Rule the World!” – Emphasizing the importance of explosive power and speed.
• “Speed Kills!” – Reinforcing the need for maximal force application at high velocity.
• “Dominate the Weight!” – A mindset cue encouraging lifters to attack their lifts with confidence.
• “Confidence is King!” – The importance of mental assurance in strength training.
• “The Bar Doesn’t Know Your Feelings!” – A reminder that success in training is about consistency, not emotions.
• “Strength is Never a Weakness!” – Highlighting that developing absolute strength carries over to all aspects of performance.
• “You Can’t Flex Fat!” – A humorous but motivational cue emphasizing the importance of muscle over excess weight.

This lexicon captures many of the key terms and concepts used by Josh Bryant, but his training philosophy continues to evolve, incorporating new research, methods, and insights. If you’re following his training style, expect a blend of explosive power training, strength-building strategies, and an unwavering focus on mental toughness.