Adjusting the Peaking Template for Press

Training Q&A [Moderated]
1

Hi Drs.,

I’ve just completed a productive 11-week program, and before testing my 1RMs, I decided to run your old Barbell Medicine Peaking Template from 2018. However, I’ve developed mild pec minor tendinopathy, so to avoid aggravating it, I swapped in the Press since I’m not a competitive powerlifter.

Day 1 was an easy adjustment, replacing Bench and Pin Bench with the Press and Pin Press. However, I’m unsure how to modify Day 2 (Close-Grip Bench) and Days 3 and 4 (2ct paused Bench). Since the Press doesn’t include a pause, a 2ct Paused Press doesn’t seem like a logical substitute, especially when doing it twice. I’ve had success with the Seated Press, but I’d love to hear your thoughts. How would you adjust the Peaking Template for the Press?

Thanks again for your great content and information.

2

I’d do a wide(r) grip press or close grip incline in place of the close grip bench and a paused press (at the forehead) for paused bench press. The paused OHP is one of my favorite variants, for sure.

3

Thanks Jordan for your swift answer, I will give the paused OHP at the forehead a try :slight_smile:

Only one quick follow-up if I may: In the fast peak version in the third week on the lat day before the meet the DL spot says “none” but in the cell next to it says: *1 rep @ last warm up (RPE 7, 84-86%) whereas on the slow peak version both cells say none. Would you do a warm up DL on the final day or just drop it?

4

Either way works. That template in particular gives people the option to do a little deadlift work or skip it before the test based on how they feel.