Phase 3: Cycling Intensity Day

[Billy]

Hi Andy,

After doing a 4 day TM split for nearly four months, I am coming to the end of my singles on most of my lifts on my first run through of “Phase 2: running it out”. I have about 2 – 4 weeks left at the most.

Based on my recent progress I expect to end with 1RM's of approximately:

Squat: 405 – 415
Deadlift: 440 – 450
Bench: 255 – 265
Press: 180 (this ended yesterday)

My two questions are:

1) Will my lifts be heavy enough for me to be able to start Phase 3: Cycling Intensity Day?

In PPST3, the hypothetical lifter ends with 1RM's of 475/225/515 for Squat/Press/Deadlift before starting Phase 3. I have only done Phase 2 once, (and don't really want to do it again) so my lifts will be quite a bit lower than that.

2) If you do think I am ready, should I use the same rep/set scheme as the hypothetical lifter:

Triples: 1 set
Doubles: 2 sets
Singles: 3-5 sets

Or seeing as I won't be as strong and may need more volume on ID should I stick with:

Triples: 2 sets
Doubles: 3 sets
Singles: 3-5 sets

Thank you for your time.

[Andy Baker (KSC)]

It's not about weight on the bar as much as it is about your ability to progress. Start cycling with the protocol in number 3 and if it's too much volume then swtich to number 2.