# Advice for adapting/adjusting Strength III

**URL:** <https://forum.barbellmedicine.com/t/advice-for-adapting-adjusting-strength-iii/13232>\
**Category:** Programming Discussion\
**Created:** [February 17, 2023, 9:15pm UTC](https://forum.barbellmedicine.com/t/advice-for-adapting-adjusting-strength-iii/13232 "2023-02-17T21:15:03Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 2\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![Jeff\_Burgess](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex001/user_avatar/forum.barbellmedicine.com/jeff_burgess/32/5141_2.png) [@Jeff\_Burgess](https://forum.barbellmedicine.com/u/Jeff_Burgess)\
**Post date:** [February 17, 2023, 9:15pm UTC](https://forum.barbellmedicine.com/t/advice-for-adapting-adjusting-strength-iii/13232/1 "2023-02-17T21:15:03Z")

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Happy Friday afternoon!

I just finished up Week 5 of the first block of Strength III and I’m wondering if I have what it takes (recovery-wise) to work at the programmed RPE/volume. For example:

1. Knocked the Squat/Dead RPE down a couple notches in weeks 1/2 due to onset of occasionally-recurring sciatica (not full blown leg tinglies but was getting some minor feeling that I think would be considered radiculopathy)
2. Currently nursing a minor hamstring issue that has been increasing week over week, so will be knocking Dead RPE down a couple notches Had some similar issues in December last year when I ran a competition prep taper that had some RPE 8s and 9s and I’m just wondering if I need to stay away from 8s and 9s. I have run Powerbuilding III a couple of times and really didn’t feel like I was right on the edge of week over week recovery like this.

FWIW I’m almost 48 and have been training for about 9 years. I’m 5’11" / 205# and my RPE10 Squat/Bench/Dead was at 405/255/500 when tested in December if that’s helpful.

Anyone else have to modify one of the Strength programs due to recovery issues? If yes how did you modify?

-Jeff

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Jeff\_Burgess](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex001/user_avatar/forum.barbellmedicine.com/jeff_burgess/32/5141_2.png) [@Jeff\_Burgess](https://forum.barbellmedicine.com/u/Jeff_Burgess)\
**Post date:** [May 21, 2023, 10:41am UTC](https://forum.barbellmedicine.com/t/advice-for-adapting-adjusting-strength-iii/13232/2 "2023-05-21T10:41:51Z")

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I completed the Strength III template mentioned in this post a couple months back and thought I would report back on the adjustments I made to recover better across the duration of the program.

Mainly, I just lowered RPE while generally trying to complete sets and reps prescribed. I worried at first (as evidenced by this post) that lower RPE would result in low or no gains. Not true I’m my case.

| | December 2022 1RM | April 2023 1RM |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Squat | 405 | 420 |
| Bench | 255 | 265 |
| Dead | 500 | 530 |

These are all lifetime PRs for me. Body weight at 5’ 11” was about 210#. I ran a surplus throughout the program and gained a few pounds. A bit fluffier than I prefer and waist is close to 37”.

I’m 47 and gains come harder than they used to, so I was pleased with the results of using this template, even if I had to modify a bit to keep up with recovery. Now it’s back to Powerbuilding III while I cut some of this fluff.