I’ve been training consistently for several years, and since discovering BB Medicine I’ve completed The Bridge 1.0, the 12-week strength template, and was starting the 7-week hypertrophy template when my training was interrupted by several weeks of travel for work. So after that long layoff I thought it would be a good idea to use the new Beginner Template to get back on track. I’m on week 6 now.
So, I’m planning to enter a USAPL meet on December 14 and was wondering how best to prepare for it. I’ve downloaded the 3-week peaking program and my tentative plan is to continue with the Beginner template for the next few weeks and then switch to the peaking template, either the novice peak or the advanced fast peak. Would you recommend one over the other–novice peak or advanced fast peak? I’m a masters 3 lifter, 93 kg, and this would be my 3rd USAPL meet.
Lastly, after the meet, would you recommend resuming the Beginner Template where I left off, or would I be better off going with something like Power Building 1 or 2?
Thanks for all the great information you provide–you’ve completely changed my approach to training.
Codger,
Thanks for the kind words and we’re looking forward to seeing how you do at this meet!
I think if you’re on the Beginner Template right now I would just run that until you’re 2 weeks out from the meet. Then I would do the last 2 weeks of the fast peak template, but only 3x/wk instead of the prescribed 4.
I would go back to the Beginner Template after the meet if you were having good results with it!
-Jordan
Thanks very much, Jordan.
Meet recap and a quick question:
Yesterday I competed in a small USAPL meet in Albuqueque. I made all my squats, though each one felt pretty heavy, even the 140 kg opener. Second squat: 150: third: 155, which set a state record for the 93 kg masters 3 class. (Keep in mind that New Mexico is one of the least populous states in the country, somewhere below Nebraska, I think, so not a big pool of geezer competitors.)
Made my first two bench attempts: 100 and 105 kilos. My third attempt at 110 kg only went up a few inches over my chest and just stayed there. I was kind of surprised–I thought 242 pounds would be very doable.
Deadlifts went pretty well. I opened with 200 kg; made the second attempt with 210 kg, and decided to go for broke with 222.5kg for the third attempt but couldn’t even get it above my knees.
This morning I was pleasantly surprised to find out that I set state records for the squat, deadlift, and total for all lifts for my class. All in all I had a great time, and met some very nice people.
My question: This week I’m planning to resume the beginner template where I left off (week 8). Does that seem like a reasonable plan?
Thanks again for all the great advice on sensible, sustainable training!