Program timing for powerlifting meet prep?

Training Q&A [Moderated]
1

I’m about to begin week 3 of the 16 week low-fatigue strength program, and the body’s feeling good enough that I got inspired this AM to sign up for my first USAPL event (Colorado State Champs, Feb 21st). The meeting is in 19 weeks, and I have 14 weeks left of the program if I run it as written.

What’s the ideal way to fill in the 5 weeks? Low-fatigue is written up as two phases, so my hunch is that I should insert a 5 week block into the middle. My questions are

  • what’s the right filler program? Should I repeat 5 weeks of phase 1?
  • is “low-fatigue” a good meet prep program? Or should I consider moving over to a different program for the second block?

My last maxes at testing were 400# squat, 320# bench, 470# deadlift, though I’ve since pushed the deadlift up to 515#, and squat is probably up a bit as well. I’ve been in maintenance mode for the last few months with work and summer-parenting, so I’m feeling fresh and ready for a solid block heading into winter.

There’s nothing at stake with this meet, which means the answer to question 2 is probably “no it doesn’t matter”, but I’d love to put the time in and do it right. Thanks all!

2

Howdy! Hope you’re enjoying the program so far. I’d run Block 1 through the end of week 5, and then restart the program to set you up for the competition date. I LOVE this program for meet prep :slight_smile:

Let me know how it goes!

3

Perfect, thank you Jordan! I’ll check in here after the meet, thanks again for all you do — the cholesterol article was really helpful after a cleerly scan detected some calcified plaque earlier this year and I had to wrap my brain around cardiac health. Really glad I found barbell medicine for many reasons!

4

Thanks! We’re glad to have you here.