RTS for Texas Method (bench)

[DeriHughes]

I've just switched my bench programming to TM following a second run at LP that stalled at 135kg x 5,5,4. Squats & deads are on Karl's 5/1. I train twice a week.

I'm setting up TM using RTS principles for Volume Day, namely:

Volume Day - touch n go 5s to rpe = 9, then 5% fatigue on a repeat drop (e.g. last night was 120 x 5, 125 x 5, 127.5 x 5, 120 x 5 x 3)

Intensity Day - Paused singles across, 5 x 1, starting at 140kg then adding 1-1.5kgs each week (doing singles as I have a meet in early Jan)

Questions I've got for those more experienced with using rpes:

- Is 5% fatigue appropriate on VD or should I be starting at more like 7-8%? I plan to titrate but don't really want to waste time by not getting enough stimulus

- Should I use rpes for ID as well? E.g. going something like 147.5 @ 9, 145 @9, 142.5 @ 9, 140 @ 9. I find rpes & fatigue harder to judge for singles so am thinking the simplicity of trying to increase singles across might be easier to work with

Thanks for any advice

[John Hanley]

Deri, I don't think a strict TM template works well for bench (or press).

I'd probably spread bench volume across 2 consecutive days, each day at 5% fatigue. I'd also do a less taxing variation on recovery (slingshot maybe) for another 5%.

For ID, I would use a "rep drop" scheme instead of load drop. For example, hit 3 reps for RPE 10, keep the same weight, but drop the reps in subsequent sets to 2, & keep doing doubles until you hit RPE 10.

For ID singles, I'd use a fatigue stop. So, hit a single at 9, keep the weight & keep doing singles until you hit 10.

[DeriHughes]

Deri, I don't think a strict TM template works well for bench (or press).

I'd probably spread bench volume across 2 consecutive days, each day at 5% fatigue. I'd also do a less taxing variation on recovery (slingshot maybe) for another 5%.

For ID, I would use a "rep drop" scheme instead of load drop. For example, hit 3 reps for RPE 10, keep the same weight, but drop the reps in subsequent sets to 2, & keep doing doubles until you hit RPE 10.

Interesting, thanks John. I basically finished my VD session yesterday and didn't feel like it was enough work, which seems right based on what you say.

I will see what I can do with my schedule to add a third weekly session - half an hour of benching should be possible. Failing that would taking a second 5% load drop on a single session for 8-9 total sets just be stupid..? E.g. going 120-125-127.5 then 120 x 5 x 3 then 115 x 5 x 3.

Like the ID plan - will probably do that for doubles down to singles as I need to be hitting singles to prep for my meet

[John Hanley]

Failing that would taking a second 5% load drop on a single session for 8-9 total sets just be stupid..? E.g. going 120-125-127.5 then 120 x 5 x 3 then 115 x 5 x 3.

I'd hit a top set of 4 or 5@RPE10, drop 5%, do sets until you hit 10, drop another 5% from the original top set and do sets until 10.

This is what I did for press & it worked really well.

[DeriHughes]

I'd hit a top set of 4 or 5@RPE10, drop 5%, do sets until you hit 10, drop another 5% from the original top set and do sets until 10.

This is what I did for press & it worked really well.

Sounds brutal and therefore effective. I will give it a go.

Thanks for the help John.

[Eric Larousse]

The texas method doesnt work for bench or press now?

[John Hanley]

The texas method doesnt work for bench or press now?

I said:

I don't think a strict TM template works well for bench (or press).

You think the strict TM template works well for bench & press? Why?

[Eric Larousse]

O I dont know If it works or not(though I will soon find out). People should not have to go to a third party source to keep tailoring programs that are put out by authorities on strength. That said if i find it does not work then i will be trying your reccomendation here.

[John Hanley]

O I dont know If it works or not(though I will soon find out). People should not have to go to a third party source to keep tailoring programs that are put out by authorities on strength. That said if i find it does not work then i will be trying your reccomendation here.

You have been given all the tools by aforementioned authorities to tailor your own program.

Also: my rec was for Deri & no one else. I'm roughly familiar with his training level & goals...and he asked a very specific question

[Eric Larousse]

Where in PPST3 does it give you room to tailer the Texas Method other than what is listed in the book? Where does it mention RPEs or Load drops or adding an extra day of benching? Why do coaches on this very site say that dynamic effort is useless but yet there are pages upon pages about dynamic effort within the Texas method chapter? Do you not agree that these inconsistencies are not good for business?