# GPP in Powerbuilding **URL:** \ **Category:** Training Q&A \[Moderated\]\ **Tags:** programming\ **Created:** [March 10, 2026, 2:16pm UTC](https://forum.barbellmedicine.com/t/gpp-in-powerbuilding/19579 "2026-03-10T14:16:28Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 4\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![thenic](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/7feea3/32.png) [@thenic](https://forum.barbellmedicine.com/u/thenic)\ **Post date:** [March 10, 2026, 2:16pm UTC](https://forum.barbellmedicine.com/t/gpp-in-powerbuilding/19579/1 "2026-03-10T14:16:28Z")
Hello! I have been away for a year or so focusing on some very physical home renos (now done) and training fell on the wayside. I purchased the PB program last year, and I am now looking to get it started. I suspect I’m being dense, but I’m a bit confused on GPP. Obviously the conditioning is easy to understand (2x30 min zone 2, 1x40 min zone 1), but then there are these 6 extra exercises (2 for trunk, 2 for triceps, 2 for biceps). A few questions: 1. Is it cardio + exercises, or is the goal to perform the exercises in some kid of circuit that keeps you in those targeted zones? 2. 3 sessions, 6 exercises: does that mean I do cardio + any of the 2 exercises per session, or do I do all 6 every time? 3. In terms of zones, I’m assuming it’s acceptable to calculate my heartrate and use my fitness watch to keep me in that zone? And since you are a community that seems to be academic and open to feedback: I fully understand that GPP is meant to be flexible and somewhat “build-your-own adventure”, but I think the instruction documents/template could benefit for a section specifically on GPP (extra to the conditioning section) that provides a bit more clarity on the matter. Thanks again for creating this community, I came here following about a year of very grueling SS programming, which was indeed very beneficial, but also very taxing mentally and physically, especially at my old age (now 40). Happy to be back! ---
**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:** [March 10, 2026, 2:22pm UTC](https://forum.barbellmedicine.com/t/gpp-in-powerbuilding/19579/2 "2026-03-10T14:22:09Z")
Hey Nic, Nope, no circuit. The first priority for the GPP is getting it all done in a given week using a schedule you can adhere too. I think you may be getting hung up on 3 GPP sessions, which is not the intent. Yes, there are 3 conditioning workouts programmed, but those can be done after your main lifting sessions _or_ on separate days. The direct arm and trunk work can be done before your conditioning, after your regular workouts, or on separate days. Whether you split them up into 2 workouts is up to you, though for whatever reason, that’s how I do it. In addition to a section describing the GPP work (which it sounds like you understood 🙂 ), there’s also a rather extensive section in the PDF accompanying your template describing conditioning intensity, as well as a tool to [help](https://www.barbellmedicine.com/resources/max-heart-rate-and-zone-calculator/) identify the heart rate ranges. Your watch should be able to handle this. I appreciate the kind words. -Jordan ---
**Author:** ![thenic](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/7feea3/32.png) [@thenic](https://forum.barbellmedicine.com/u/thenic)\ **Post date:** [March 10, 2026, 4:53pm UTC](https://forum.barbellmedicine.com/t/gpp-in-powerbuilding/19579/3 "2026-03-10T16:53:50Z")
OK, noted. As long as I find a way to do all of them - sounds great. I’m going for the 2 lifting days per week program for now (+ conditioning/GPP) and I’ll see how it fits schedule and adjust from there as needed. Thanks again! Nic ---
**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:** [March 11, 2026, 3:15am UTC](https://forum.barbellmedicine.com/t/gpp-in-powerbuilding/19579/4 "2026-03-11T03:15:44Z")
Yep, that’s exactly right!