Heavier Conditioning

As we’ve recently discussed, I’m using PBIII to train for a powerlifting meet on June 1. One of the things I like to do in my normal training is to do a day of strongman-style conditioning on one of my off-days from strength training. On these days I’ll make up a circuit of different things like heavy sandbag picks/carries, heavy farmers walks, burpees, chins, Echo bike, etc. Basically, I gas out my conditioning while also handling some heavy stuff. Now training for something specific, I’m trying to decide if it makes sense to keep it in for the next couple of months. I’m wondering your opinion on: 1. If i really want to maximize my potential for individual performance at the meet, will doing a day of strongman-style conditioning have a deleterious effect on my potential performance?
2. If I want to do well at the meet but am willing to sacrifice a few pounds on the bar to maintain my level of this type of conditioning, do you even think it’s useful in the context of normal training? I understand I’m free to do as I like - and I will. Just curious your thoughts. Thanks.

-Kurt

I would not do this conditioning when prepping for a powerlifting meet, no. I do not think it is particularly useful for conditioning outside of strongman-type efforts, as it’s quite anaerobic. The fatigue cost does not make it a good trade off in my mind. If it it something you really enjoy and don’t want to go without, I’d 100% keep it in outside of meet prep.

Noted. Thanks for the advice.

I’m into Week 4 of PBIII now, and man this feels like a lot of hard (good) work. Except for the extra time it takes, I’m really liking it (as much as I’ll ever “like” training, anyway). I’ve run PBI and PBII several times each. I love PBI and really like PBII. PBIII may be on its way to being my favorite of the bunch. Good stuff. All of my current e1RMs are deep into PR territory. Excited to get to the singles phase and then the meet to see where we’re at.

Thanks.

-Kurt

Happy to hear it! For whatever reason, Powerbuilding III remains my favorite template to personally use. Glad you’re enjoying it!