I recently received access to the new 2nd Generation Beginner Template (thank you again for making that available!) and had a quick question about how best to transition from the original version.
I’ve been running the 1st Generation Beginner, and I’m on Week 6 of Block 1 (repeating Week 4 as prescribed). Overall, I’ve had great results, and things are still going well: Squat, bench, overhead press, and rows are all still trending up. Deadlift had a bit of turbulence when I pushed the percentage jumps too aggressively, but I’ve since realized that was likely an overshoot and am now progressing more conservatively. I likely have one or two weeks left until I plateau on two or more lifts.
Given where I am, I’m unsure what the best move is:
Finish Block 1 of the 1st Gen template, then start the 2nd Gen Beginner Template from Block 1, essentially restarting with the updated exercise selection and structure.
Finish Block 1 of the 1st Gen template, then jump straight into Block 2 of the 2nd Gen Beginner Template, treating it as a continuation.
Stick with the 1st Gen program.
Because the exercise selection and structure in Block 1 of the 2nd Gen template are slightly different (and appear somewhat more complex), I’m not sure whether it makes sense to jump straight into Block 2.
Thank you for any guidance, and for all the work you’ve put into these templates!
If you were new to training when you started the program, I just move over to the 2nd gen now, starting from week 1.
If you were using this to return to training from a layoff or similar, I would stay the course until the end of this phase of training. Then, after you finish, re-evaluate your situation for the next steps.
I figure I would post this here but I just wanted to say Congratulations on putting out the new Beginner Program. I purchased it as well and it looks fantastic!
I was just wondering if you could provide some more insight as to why you felt the program needed an update?
Also I see the original was discontinued what was the reason for that? I feel like it is a very well written program as well.
I think the best use case for the 2nd Beginner program is for people who are new to training, either completely or in recent history (from an extended layoff).
I don’t think people that are experienced should be running the the Beginner program for months and months on end, as it’s really designed for people who do not have the muscle memory an experienced individual has.
The program needed an update to make it better suited to this application and to be inclusive of individuals who prefer machines/dumbbell training, need to use a 2-day schedule, or who are at risk of sarcopenia.
As I update programs, the standard practice is to stop selling the old one. While I agree that the previous program was good (thanks btw!), I think the new one is better for the intended use cases.