A complete newbie to BBM here. I have watched several videos on Youtube and really like what the guys have talked about. I am interested in possibly purchasing a training template and getting started, but I am unsure of which one would be best for me. I am a soon to be nurse and aspiring NP, so it was great to see medical professionals who see the need for strength training! I have been lifting for about 1-2 years now pretty consistently. When I was in college a few years ago, I went from 155 to 170 lbs (at 6’1’') doing a 5x5 type of routine. I have since maintained that weight. Soon I will be able to dedicate more time and money to nutrition and training and want to hit the ground running after COVID-19 subsides. I have an interest in Crossfit movements and would like to be able to do some of those (mainly the olympic lifts) in addition to putting on some weight and size while maintaining conditioning.
My current numbers:
Deadlift 1RM: 315 lbs
Squat 1RM: 245 lbs
Bench 1RM: 225 lbs
Not that Dr. J needs seconding, but I’ll second his recommendation anyway. I just finished running all three phases of the Beginner Template and made really good progress. This was after running SL5x5 and SSNLP. Each phase is 12 weeks long if you run it all. So it’s a good value as well as intelligently thought out program. Don’t skip the GPP work. You’ll be in a good place to tackle whatever you choose to do next afterwards. If you need some help figuring out RPE, look up Alan Thrall with Untamed Strength on YouTube. Alan is a BBM coach and has a good series of videos on RPE.
Also, I’m an RN and APRN-FNP. My suggestion is study hard and do well in your RN program, then go work for at least five years in a few different areas (get at least one year of med-surg, one of ER, and two of ICU). Learn everything you can. Be prepared to work very hard. Study on your days off. Read, read, read. Do way more CEs than you need and keep track of them. Don’t just know how to do things. Understand why you’re doing them. So read all the physician notes on your patients – not just the orders. Identify mentors and build working relationships with those good MDs, DOs, Pharmacists, PTs, RTs, PAs, NPs, and RNs. Learn the names of the chaplains, techs, unit secretaries, food service workers and the custodians, and treat them all with respect and appreciation. Being a good nurse requires thick skin. But don’t let it make you bitter and keep your compassion. Take excellent care of your patients, even the ones that don’t take care of themselves. You are your patients’ advocate in the healthcare system. Many times, this is the hardest part of the job. Remember that every patient has something to teach you. Finally, get certified as an RN in whichever area interests you most. Then you’ll be better prepared for NP school or whatever else you decide to do at that point. Don’t be in a hurry. Good luck to you. TL/DR: Put your time in at the bedside and learn everything you can. You’ll be better off in the long run.
Thank you very much, Jordan. So glad to see what you guys are doing. I never knew anything like this existed. I was actually talking to one of my friend who worked in my ER about the need for something like what Barbell Medicine is. You guys are really filling a huge void in healthcare. I’ve always wondered how healthcare workers can claim to care for the health of others when they don’t do it themselves. Although, I see that nursing staff tend to struggle more with self-care and health overall. God bless!