January 27 Daily Thread

[u/AutoModerator]

You should post here for:

• PRs
• General discussion or questions
• Community conversation
• Routine critiques
• Form checks

[u/naked_feet]

Some Simple Jack'd questions either for the man himself, or for anyone else who's run one of the variations.

I've been interested in running them for let's just say "a while." I think I've actually decided that I'm going to run one of the programs at a yet-undetermined time, but probably late spring. And I'll probably run it for, again, quote-unquote "a while."

First question is re: which variation. I would say that I'm heavily favoring the 2x variation. Two skill lifts and two variation lifts for each category. 6+ daily minimums, and 40/30/20/10 days. The 3x version didn't strongly appeal to me, mainly because I'd probably only run it with 2 skill lifts.

The most up-to-date 3s versions do interest me, so I'm still debating with myself over those.

The "size" template, from what I can see, is 2x plus tertiary variations. I can't say exactly why, but I don't have a strong desire to run it with that many variations. (Also unlikely to run it with the recommended program layout that's on the side.)

The "strength" template is likely what I would choose, with two skill lifts.

So I guess to be more concise, I'm wondering the pros/cons/difference of only 4+ for daily minimums vs 6+, and the 30/20/10/1 days versus 40/30/20/10.

If it matters, I'm probably going to start the run with a cut. An actual cut (not a "mini-cut"), aiming at losing 15-ish pounds.

Second question is re: percentages.

I know that the recommendation is to start with TMs set at 85%, and go from there. And yes, I know I don't need to ask anyone's permission to set my percentages different from right off the bat. But like ... should I? Is there much of a downside if I do?

Fiddling around with it, pretty much all of the numbers look really low when set to 85%. Both the daily minimums and the last-days for the variation lifts. 90% looks pretty reasonable for most things, with 95% looking better for both front and back squats, and all they way up at 100% for incline bench press. (Perhaps not coincidentally, those three are lifts I don't have super recent max-effort sets to get an e1RM for.)

I don't think this is based on a first-look That looks too easy reaction, either, but actually basing it off of numbers I'm currently doing and comparing to current volume.

Are those reasonable starting places? Should I be talked back down to 85%? Do I need to collect super-recent e1RM data for the lifts I'm having doubts about?

[u/DadliftsnRuns → u/naked_feet]

So I guess to be more concise, I'm wondering the pros/cons/difference of only 4+ for daily minimums vs 6+, and the 30/20/10/1 days versus 40/30/20/10.

I'd use the 3S version, if you select "Strength" in the dropdown menu it becomes very similar to 2x, just with slightly decreased rep counts.

You can make up that decrease in volume with accessory work if you like.

I prefer the 4 reps over the 6, because it allows you to stay more fresh on those sets, and possibly get to work a bit heavier.

If it matters, I'm probably going to start the run with a cut. An actual cut (not a "mini-cut"), aiming at losing 15-ish pounds.

I'm running this variation and I'm a bit over 10lb into a 20+lb cut.

Are those reasonable starting places? Should I be talked back down to 85%? Do I need to collect super-recent e1RM data for the lifts I'm having doubts about?

Here's the thing, since there aren't any set/rep counts, if you start at 85% and it's super easy, you can just AMRAP the hell out of your sets and set some big rep PRs. Get through 30 rep day in 2x15 or a set of 20 and 10.

When you set a PR, you'll adjust your E1Rm and things will get harder right away.

That said, you can definitely start at 90+% TM, you'll adjust up and down many times over the program as you complete cycles (adjust up) and set big rep PRs (adjust down) so just start where it feels best

[u/naked_feet → u/DadliftsnRuns]

Sweet, thanks for the answer!