Hypertrophy Block - GPP/Cardio Priority

Hi Coach,

This last weekend I competed in my first powerlifting meet and had a blast. I prepped using the Powerlifting II template but decided that GPP was low priority as I have limited training time and was in a caloric deficit.

My next full block I was hoping to do one of the Hypertrophy templates. I have 4 days to train per week (~75min/day) and have been batting around the idea of either Hypertrophy II and skip the GPP work or do the Hypertrophy I with the GPP work on my 4th day. I’m thinking Hypertrophy over Powerbuilding as I have no immediate competition and thought the exercise variety would be nice.

My short terms goals are to gain some lean mass (this meet was the endpoint of an ~11 month, 45lb, weight loss phase).
My long term goals are to get stronger in the “big 3” at a reasonable body composition.

Stats, in case they make any difference:
30 year old Male, training for 2-3 years
BW: ~184lb
Height 5’ 11"
Squat: 205kg (451lb)
Bench: 125kg (275lb)
Deadlift 227.5kg (501lb)

I’ve never trained with a caloric surplus and would like to know if GPP offers any unique benefits to skewing the ratio lean mass accumulation or if I could expect similar results by just lifting on the fourth day.

Thanks!

1 Like

Nice job at the meet dude!

I would do hypertrophy II and try and fit the cardio in across other days- even if it’s just walking or similar. You can skip the other GPP stuff.

-Jordan

Thank you for the feedback, I’ll give it a shot!