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Is This “Minimalift” Approach Actually Enough?

9 months ago (edited)

Hey everyone,

I’m in my early 20s, moderately fit (not a beginner, but not a hardcore lifter either). I do different sports frequently but only manage to go to the gym 2 times a week max.

I came across this minimalist strength training concept by YouTuber Matt D'Avella that claims you can hit all the important bases (strength, hypertrophy, mobility, endurance) in under 2h/week by focusing on:

  • 1 compound movement per pattern (squat, hinge, push, pull, lunge)

  • Only 1 hard set per exercise (near failure)

  • Supersets + active rest to save time

  • Progressive overload as the main driver

Here’s the video:

👉 https://youtu.be/8o51DYWBj3s

On paper it sounds great for people like me who want efficiency, but I wonder:

  • Will 1 hard set really be enough for progress?

  • Does training all qualities (strength, power, endurance) together compromise gains?

  • Any downsides I’m not seeing?

Would love to hear your thoughts - especially from those who’ve tried lower volume programs or train with limited time.

Thanks!

Exercise
Strength Training
Mobility
Focus
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· 8 months ago

Not exactly related to your question but I think it really depends on your goals. Do you train for longevity (including real endurance metrics like VO2Max) or do you just want to look good? You can achieve really good results with low volume but heavy strength training - e.g. doing full body strengths exercises like 2min farmers walk with your body weight. The training concept you posted seems to be less longevity focussed (you don't need big visible muscles for longevity). But I really like the idea of efficient strength training. Maybe looking at Crossfit/Hyrox-Training concepts would be a good starting point.

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