Belt Squat/Beginner template

Good morning,

Just started block two of the beginner template. Ran block 1 for about 6 weeks, after a 6 month layoff. Already within 5 to 10% of prior PR’s on the big 3, so really excited about progress, and thanks for recommending starting back with the beginner template,l. I definitely think it was the right move.

Onto the question, for Day 3 exercise 3, calls for leg press. I don’t have a leg press, but bought the revolt belt squat attachment for my rack, and going to use that as a substitute. The attachment works fine. The issue I’m having is loading. I have a set of 45 and 55 pound weights, then 35 pounds, 25 pounds, ets. The 55 pounds are bumper plates, and take up a ton of space on that loading pin. As a result, to hit the prescribed RPE’s for 10 reps, I really have to load the loading pin pretty high. It’s doable, but I don’t love it.

To help with loading, I was wonder if taking it up to 12 to 15 reps to hit the prescribed RPE would be fine? My gut is it’s fine, as I think I’ve heard you say before, the goal of that 3rd squat movement is really just to accumulate more leg volume.

If I went as high as say 15 reps, would you do one less of the prescribed sets?

Thanks again, and can’t begin to express my gratitude for the support you guys provide.

I would swap it to a 2ct paused belt squat for sets of 8 to 12 reps and keep the sets the same. Should be good to go with those changes! Thanks again for your kind words. Let us know how you do.

-Jordan