Lots of “what’s optimal?” threads, and there’s nothing wrong with that… but who is really enjoying their training right now? What are you doing that’s lighting a fire for you?
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I am!
I just switched back to 531 after doing some form of conjugate for a while. 531 BBB Beefcake is a much welcomed change. It’s simplistic, I don’t have to work up to something maximal 2x a week, it takes under an hour, and 50 reps of a movement is allowing way more variety and “gameday” adjustments compared to writing everything out on a Sunday. Also, the bodybuilding feel of a 5x10 is refreshing
Lastly, having to be less neurotic and strict with recovery variables needed to excel with how I was running conjugate is so damn nice. Less caffeine, more food, and less dread is just refreshing
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I’m now 13 months deep into Tactical Barbell with no desire to stop, which is a lifetime PR for program system compliance for me. It’s the first time a system really just grabbed me AND was long term sustainable. Spells everything out in crayon, don’t have to think, and still enough room for variety and shiny objects.
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Me!
I’m just over a year into Caroline Girvan’s workouts, and am enjoying them in a way I was never able to with written programs whose focus is on sets and reps, which freaks out my adhd and forces me to focus on numbers rather than mind/muscle and enjoyment of the movement. Now I get a brief overview of what we’re doing, and then just focus on myself until I hear a beep, at which point I work or rest, as appropriate. I do count reps, but mostly to keep things bilateral. But no big deal if I lose track.
I never thought I’d be able to enjoy lifting as much as I have running, but I do now. And maybe even more.
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It completely sucks ass… since my current nutrition is NOT in line with how i enjoy to train for it to be optimal.
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Fantastic stuff!
@freshyfresh that’s awesome you found something worth coming back to!
@T3hPwnisher tactical barbell definitely seems right up your alley. Almost like carnivore, it’s as if your paths key tightening until you landed on this road somewhat definitively.
Crazy talk! But that’s also great to hear!
@bulldog9899 is there a reason or it’s just not lining up right now?
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Not lining up…. Since jumping back into the game. I’ve been eating for fat loss just to get back into what I consider training condition. Recovery is in the toliet and energy level is hit or miss. Definitely not the greatest for performance on my end. At my current rate of loss i should start doing a reverse diet phase in another 8 weeks.
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Training for another strongman comp right now. There is nothing like the excitement of new movements to learn and nothing like having comp weighs to hit to make you train harder. Sore everyday but just loving it.
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I’m just stumbling along right now but I have a feeling it’s going to turn into fun again. I wasn’t really ready to quit this morning so that’s good a thing.
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I’m currently training for a powerlifting meet, so yeah I’m having fun. Doing a Dan Austin template for my main lifts. I need a number goal or I don’t stay focused so this is great. I’ve gained 8 lbs, hit all my lifts through 6 weeks and I feel strong. I just have to chill on the eating a little since I’m already at 198. This will be my first meet in 6 years so I’m very excited to get back on the platform. It’ll be the first time my kids attend as well.
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Aside from being slightly injured at moment, I have absolutely love my new home, property and living on a hill. Its made it very easy to prioritize hard things that I wouldn’t have done before due to set up time. Specifically I do some form of farmer carry or hill sprint every workout after a strength and accessory movement.
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Certain movements i love doing and feel like a badass, optimal or not i love them.
So weighted dips (that weight hanging on a belt makes me feel like a superhero)
Weighted chins - same as above
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That’s fantastic!
I love seeing what’s positive for everyone. There seems to be two themes emerging: either folks are enjoying training because they have a purpose (competition) or because they’ve aligned to a method that fits. Cool stuff!
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Let’s not forget the vanity piece! I asked my husband if he wanted to see my delt a couple of days ago and of course he said yes. I showed him, and he said what he always does, a supportive “ohhh, yeah, nice,” except this time it was more like “Oh! Yeah! NICE!”
Made my day.
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Hell yes - you earned it!
That’s training with a real purpose vs all this silly meet stuff.
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I always love my training! I’ve been Training super high Volume this year, inspired by the Golden Era greats and particularly, Mr. Serge Nubret!
It’s been very fun, The pumps are incredible and the exercise selection is pretty instinctive and self regulating on a day to day basis.
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One could do worse! I was reading your log and definitely curious where it came from. I’m an old school volume fan myself.
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What a great thread idea!
I have been doing Tactical Barbell for the past 9-10 weeks and really having fun! The simplicity has left me room to enjoy more biking in the early mornings and pack on the KMs for this year. Excited to hit a new total KMs this year! 
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I got recommended that very video on YouTube around February and I just thought “Wow he’s mid 50s here and looks every bit as good as he did in his ‘Pumping Iron’ prime” and it looked like a fantastic way to train in a longevity sense too as he still trained that way and looked like that until he died in his 70s. Guys like Lee Priest, Robby Robinson and Jay Cutler train very similarly and all still look amazing, so that’s definitely a massive inspiration to me. Greatness leaves clues!
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You’re in good company. Definitely a theme around tactical barbell - it’s simple and fits a wide interest.
Totally agree!
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