Advice On Which Template To Choose

Training Q&A [Moderated]
1

Hello, doctors. First and foremost, thank you all for the awesome work and content you provide. It’s very much appreciated.

Here’s a little background info before I ask my question: I’m an 48yr old man, tried the SSLP (with coaching), burned out and gained a ridiculous amount of weight. After discontinuing that nonsense I set up my own training and have since lost 103 pounds (waist went from 56 to 36 currently, although I have a lot of loose skin around my waist so I don’t know what my true measurement would be…current weight is 178). Losing the weight took me about a year, and I can say that a large bulk of my weight loss I can thank you for because I went from stressing about my “bad genetics”, being “big boned”, etc. to being absolutely accountable about maintaining a true caloric deficit…and tracking my calories with great detail. So thank you so much!

Training wise, I have been performing boot-camp-circuit/H.I.I.T.-style workouts with tire flips, barbell cleans, rows, box jumps, etc. supplemented with Muay Thai training (which I have done for 13+ years now, even at my biggest I always made sure to keep my striking sharp). In the beginning of this year I decided to run my first marathon for the challenge and also to help keep me compliant with my training. Since then I have run 2-3 running events each month (from 5k’s to technical mountain trail races) and have at least one event booked every month for the rest of the year. Additionally, in November I am going to Thailand to train in a camp and have my first fight.

My current training regimen is 6 days on, 1 off. I run 3-4 times per week (depending on what distance race I’m training for), MT striking 2-3 times per week, and circuit/H.I.I.T.-style weight lifting. Some days I train both morning and evening depending on my work schedule.

With all that being said, I am seeking advice as to which template would benefit my current training the most. I want to gain strength but maintain (or increase) my conditioning for both running and MT. I am eyeballing either the Titan or Endurance templates but would really like to know what you recommend. I still want to incorporate tire flips, battle ropes, etc. because I really enjoy that type of training.

(One last note, I have about 10 pounds left to lose. Don’t know if that is important info or not. Just wanted to mention it.)

Thank you once again and looking forward to your feedback.

2

Obruce,

Thanks for the post and really awesome work with your transformation. Wow!

I think in this case, I think either the Titan or Endurance templates would be ideal based on what you like doing. I think since you’re used to doing some the circuit stuff and want to keep doing that then the Titan template would be just fine. Conversely, if for some reason you wanted to focus more on pure endurance work vs. HIIT/Circuits however, then the Endurance template would be my recommendation.

Keep up the good work and let us know how it goes!

-Jordan

3

Good day, doctor. I’m currently on week three of the Titan template and am really loving it! Prior to purchasing the template I was trying to figure out how and where I could program cleans & snatches into my routine and your template solved that puzzle perfectly. The supplement, metcon, and GPP routines have been challenging and fun.
With that said, I have one question regarding RPE (please bare in mind that I’m new to RPE). Am I supposed to perform the lifts at the Rx’d RPE (based on my 1 rep max in the calculator) regardless if the weight feels easier/less than Rx’d? Or do I add more (or less) weight to the bar on the next set? Example: if I’m programmed to perform back squats w/ belt @ RPE 7 on my first set, but it feels more like a 5 do I add more weight to my second set @ RPE 8? Or do I stick to the program? I really hope this makes sense.

Looking forward to your reply. Thanks for your time and advice.

4

Please disregard the RPE questions as I found the information I was looking for. Thanks.

5

Hello, doctor. This morning I began my final week of the Titan template which I really enjoyed, had great success with, and was a lot of fun to do. So thank you! My strength increased nicely and even had a bit of muscle gain (some areas such as shoulders & legs didn’t increase in size per se, but feel a lot “harder” than before so I’m not sure it that’s actual muscle gain or not). My clean and snatch technique improved as well.

My plan is to dedicate next week’s training on further improving my cleans & snatches in particular, and since I had such a good response (and really enjoyed the template), repeat Titan in two weeks. Is there anything I should change/tweak, add or subtract from the template on my second go-round?

Once again, thanks for the advice and looking forward to your response.