# Back to Beginner Template? **URL:** \ **Category:** Training Q&A \[Moderated\]\ **Created:** [December 7, 2020, 12:46pm UTC](https://forum.barbellmedicine.com/t/back-to-beginner-template/10000 "2020-12-07T12:46:10Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 4\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![The\_Toby](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/e56c9b/32.png) [@The\_Toby](https://forum.barbellmedicine.com/u/The_Toby)\ **Post date:** [December 7, 2020, 12:46pm UTC](https://forum.barbellmedicine.com/t/back-to-beginner-template/10000/1 "2020-12-07T12:46:10Z")
Hi BBM Team, **Disclaimer:** Yes, this is another “what program next” thread. **About me:** - 33 years old male - BW 79 kg, with 15%ish body fat / 82cm waist - S/B/D: 150/120/190 kg **History:** I had been training not so cleverly (i.e., jumping between different 5/3/1 programs for a long time) before discovering BBM in 2019. Then I ran the complete Beginner Template (had to re-start a few times due to unvoluntary interruptions). This year, I thought about competing, and ran a Strength I variation (i.e., adjusted for time and equipment restraints). Due to Covid, most competitions were cancelled where I live. The last weeks I had been peaking in preparation for a bench/deadlift meet, which was cancelled as well, so instead we did a little push/pull mock meet in private. Performance was ok, considering how busy work had been lately (60+ hours per week desk job and returning home at midnight), but I did not hit any new PR despite the peaking, carb loading etc. **Question:** Now I am looking for the next program to run. Looking back, I feel like I may not respond too well to high intensities. I.e., I have difficulties recovering from doing several heavy sessions of a lift per week (e.g. when using overload exercises) or from peaking. When I look back, most 1RM PRs came when I had not really prepared for them, but rather feld like testing after a non-peak training block. My main goal is still to make sustainable progress on the Big 3, and competing next year. Equipment wise, with the gyms being closed, I only have access to a rack, barbell and bench in my tiny basement gym. Here are a few options I was considering: 1. **Beginner Template** , starting again at Phase 2. I enjoyed running this program, especially the variations for each lift. I also think the increased volume may be good for me. I understand that despite its name, this template is not just for beginners. However, would you still recommend going back to it after having tapped into more advanced templates? 2. **Powerbuilding I** : While the overall volume is appealing, but only having one competition squat session per week may not be enough for me. Movement wise, I feel like I need more specificity and squat more frequently (I get terrible DOMS if I only do competition squats (or any close variations thereof) once a week.) 3. **Bridge 3.0** : Also looks very interesting - haven’t tried this one yet. Do you still recommend this? I understand this was originally a program for transiting from LP to RPE-style training? 4. **RTS 8 Week Power Building** : Hope it is no fauxpas to ask on your opinion on this program here. What do you see as the main difference between BBM and RTS style templates? (Note: I have already purchased all of the above options, but open for other proposals as well.) Would be curious to hear your recommendation. Thanks a lot in advance and best regards Toby ---
**Author:** ![Jordan\_Feigenbaum](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex001/user_avatar/forum.barbellmedicine.com/jordan_feigenbaum/32/1315_2.png) [@Jordan\_Feigenbaum](https://forum.barbellmedicine.com/u/Jordan_Feigenbaum)\ **Post date:** [December 8, 2020, 4:04pm UTC](https://forum.barbellmedicine.com/t/back-to-beginner-template/10000/2 "2020-12-08T16:04:57Z")
Toby, Most of the programs listed here are pretty similar, though I am not familiar with the RTS template and thus, can’t speak on it. The Bridge 3.0 is not a transition from LP to RTS-style training, though I’m not sure what “RTS-style” training is. If you mean RPE, all of our templates use RPE, though this isn’t exclusive to any particular coaching outfit. Bridge 3.0 is more of a pure strength program. Powerbuilding has a good bit of hypertrophy and strength work and you’re already familiar with the Beginner Template. I’d probably do Powerbuilding given the time of year and your recent training. -Jordan ---
**Author:** ![The\_Toby](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/e56c9b/32.png) [@The\_Toby](https://forum.barbellmedicine.com/u/The_Toby)\ **Post date:** [December 9, 2020, 11:30am UTC](https://forum.barbellmedicine.com/t/back-to-beginner-template/10000/3 "2020-12-09T11:30:45Z")
Thanks for your reply, and yes, I meant to say “transition from LP to RPE-style training” - sorry for that. On Powerbuilding, what would be your thoughts on replacing RDL/SLDL on Day 1 with paused DL (since my weak point is keeping lower back tightness at the bottom of the lift)? ---
**Author:** ![Jordan\_Feigenbaum](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex001/user_avatar/forum.barbellmedicine.com/jordan_feigenbaum/32/1315_2.png) [@Jordan\_Feigenbaum](https://forum.barbellmedicine.com/u/Jordan_Feigenbaum)\ **Post date:** [December 9, 2020, 3:18pm UTC](https://forum.barbellmedicine.com/t/back-to-beginner-template/10000/4 "2020-12-09T15:18:13Z")
> [@The\_Toby](#): > > Thanks for your reply, and yes, I meant to say “transition from LP to RPE-style training” - sorry for that. > > On Powerbuilding, what would be your thoughts on replacing RDL/SLDL on Day 1 with paused DL (since my weak point is keeping lower back tightness at the bottom of the lift)? I don’t think it would make a big difference either way.