Texas Method modifications and questions

[HenryW]

I would like to know if the TM is right for me or if an advanced program would be more beneficial. I’m almost 20, roughly 220 6’3”. I don’t lift much during competition season in winter and spring. I started lifting religiously during the off seasons three years ago, and have tripled my lifts since I started, SBDP is roughly 4,3,5,2.

If it’s a good match, I’d like to ask about some changes. I’ve seen a few variations to the TM, and I’m going off one I saw with Deadlifts Friday instead of cleans and snatches. I’d like a more consistent schedule, with 2 volume, 2 active recovery, and 2 intensity days, mon-sat. I would do 2 movements a day, aside from only deadlifts Saturday. I’m assuming this would have a net effect.

I have a home gym with a power rack and an air bike. The program I saw included GHD or weighted extensions, which I don’t have. Would rows or weighted chins be a good replacement?

I’d like to keep some cardio, adding a day or two with sprints on the air bike. I wasn’t sure if it mattered when, but I was going to have one on the first active recovery day and another on Sunday, the off day.

Any input is appreciated, thank you

[JJ23]

I’d like to keep some cardio, adding a day or two with sprints on the air bike.

Is your heart not beating through your chest after a set of squats?

[HenryW]

Maybe if it’s RPE 10, a set of 5 lasts about 20 seconds. I do snowboard cross, and races last about 1 min, often at altitude. I thought some sport specificity would be good to add.

[Mark Rippetoe]

RPE is complete bullshit. My thoughts on the Texas Method are here: Practical Programming for Strength Training, 3rd edition – The Aasgaard Company

If you actually work on the snowboard at altitude, that's pretty specific to working on the board at altitude.

[HenryW]

Fair enough.

I live near Baltimore, so the transition to Summit County Colorado is 0-10000 feet. The cardio is for sport, but I'm also prone to altitude sickness. Even with a good cardio base, it takes a few weeks to adjust.

[Mark Rippetoe]

Cardio does not affect altitude symptoms.

[J. Killmond]

I live near Baltimore . . . .

You might consider some coaching, if you are in Baltimore:

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The owners, Coach Emily Socolinsky and Diego Socolinsky, both have a lot of great content up on the Starting Strength website:

Emily Socolinsky

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