Going for the state record

Training Q&A [Moderated]
1

Hey Guys,

6’, 230lb, Male, 23 y/o

I’m looking for some guidance into how I should precede with my training. I’m hungry to claim the Squat record as my own in the 105kg Junior weight class in PA in the USAPL. In my meet this past January, I squated 590 (definitely could have 600), which is 27lbs off the current record. I really believe that I could clinch this record. I’m looking to compete again January 18th. (My 24th birthday is early may.)

My training the past 2 months haven’t been great due to losing my job, finding a new one and moving, but I am back on track now. I’m currently running the beginner template and rapidly gaining my strength back.

I have two questions.

  1. I’m trying to drop 5 - 10 lbs for a bit of a cushion for the 105 kg class. If I go for this in January, should my next two cycles be Hypertrophy 1 - Strength 1 or Powerbuilding 1 - Strength 1?

  2. Should I wait for a meet in March/April to build my strength back up and make sure I knock this record out of the park? If so, what template progression should I use?

Thanks for everything you guys do,

Travis

2

Travis.

  1. I don’t think I’d spend a bunch of time doing non strength work if your focus is to get your squat as possible. Maybe a 4 week block between strength cycles, sure.

  2. I don’t know, how strong are you right now? If you’re getting close to PR levels, I’d compete sooner rather than later.

-Jordan

3

Hey Jordan,

e1RMs right now:
Squat: 465
Bench: 265
Deadlift: 495 lbs

Thanks for the reply. I ran the knee rehab template after my meet, so my strength in the squat has gone down. My e1RM is about 465 lbs right now, but its been rising about 10-15 lbs with every week of training. I understand that this is gonna stop trending up at some point. I suspect it that it will stop trending up that way at an e1rm of about 525lbs. I’m not at PR levels right now, but you make a good point. I’ll have to compete later if I want to put myself in the best position.

I’ve just finished the first block of the beginner program and feel great. With that said, should I move onto a template that is more specific, or should I run through the rest of the program? Generally speaking, what would be the best course of action leading up to this goal?

-Travis

4

Generally speaking, I would continue using programming that drives up your lifts and keeps you healthy so that you can keep training productively. Given where you are in training, I think continuing the beginner template is reasonable until it stops working and then switch phases as indicated. After that, I’d do strength II.

-Jordan