If you’ve been reading my Bodybuilding for Powerlifting series, you probably have a whole big stack of assistance exercises to add to your routine.

Don’t.

Here’s why.

In case you don’t have time to watch the whole thing, here are the cliff notes:

  • Only about 20% of your total effort should be devoted to accessory work (things that aren’t a close variation of the squat, bench, or deadlift).

  • It’s very important that when you are training accessories, you focus on training the muscle involved, not the movement.

  • To focus on the muscle, try using very high reps, and make sure you’re putting your body in a position that emphasizes your weaknesses while not causing any pain.

Of course, more than anything else, you’ve gotta Train Hard and Think Strong, so don’t forget those!