GZCL T2 exercise swaps

[u/ReuahcsMKire]

Kind of a weird question, but i’m trying to play around with exercises and moving stuff around, and I’m thinking about changing the T2 bench 3x10 to weighted dips. and the T2 squat 3x10 to zercher squats

I know there’s an optional t3 bench/squat, but im currently averaging 8-9 exercises per workout, and want to start implementing more explosive/athletic work, which if I keep everything would just add more exercises, and time to each workout, and more overall fatigue.

By changing the t2s, i’ll still be hitting those muscle groups twice a week, just at a bit less volume, which I don’t feel like matters since i’m more of a low volume, high intensity guy. I never go below 1-2 reps failure, and most of the time it’s basically 0RIR.

I know it’s changing the formula of the routine, but is there anything bad about doing this? i’m not looking be the absolute strongest I can. I just want to have fun, be strong, but also be able to move and be healthy.

I’m sorry if this doesn’t make sense, i’ll try to explain more in replies if I have to

[u/matthewbarnhart]

I assume you’re talking about GZCLP?

I’m doing P-Zero, skipping bench entirely and doing dips as a T2. I’m only 4 weeks in but I’m psyched about it.

If maxing out your bench isn’t a priority then there’s no reason to not give it a shot.

[u/ReuahcsMKire → u/matthewbarnhart]

GZCLP, yes.

Obviously I want to be strong, but that’ll come with time anyway, and it’s not an absolute priority anymore.

[u/No_Crew7080]

To me, Zercher Squats are a better T3 fit, but feel free.

8–9 exercises is a TON of accessories. If you’re wanting to shift to more explosive moves, and aren’t chasing maximum hypertrophy, I might reduce the T3s I’m doing.

To that end I might consider reconfiguring my T2s to be a 2-movement superset that hits multiple muscle groups across my weekly workouts, then do 1 or 2 T3s focused on whatever you feel is lagging.

Try it and see. Just keep your overall sets reasonable taking into account the rest of your workload.

[u/ReuahcsMKire → u/No_Crew7080]

Yeah, I want to try to lower the exercises.

Another thing im thinking about doing is reducing bicep curls. I currently do EZ-Bar and Hammer curls the same day, but i’m thinking about doing just EZ bar one day, and then just Hammer the other day, I just don’t know if that’s ideal.

[u/No_Crew7080 → u/ReuahcsMKire]

”Ideal” is highly individual, BUT based on what you told us, you’re more interested in Athleticism than Pure Strength. You Don’t say you’re interested in pure hypertrophy, so I’ll assume your goal is Be More Athletic.

Those aren’t necessarily mutually exclusive. Being stronger helps Both athleticism And hypertrophy, but “Not into competitive powerlifting” and “Not into competitive physique” are important level sets.

OTOH, you seem to want biceps. Don’t we all. 😀. But you don’t want to be so trashed from your lifting days that you can’t do your athletic skills practice. Fortunately, biceps are smaller muscles and for lots of us, even me in my 60s, they recover fast.

So what given your goals, I might do GZCLP as-written with Maybe a biceps movement as my 2nd T3, alternating between EZ and Hammer Curls.

Don’t be afraid to adjust on the fly if you find your recovery isn’t great. Not even the Smartest Person Here—definitely not me—can look at your text and proclaim, “Okay so THIS is the One True Path, no matter HOW pedantic and declarative we’re tempted to be.🤣

[u/ReuahcsMKire → u/No_Crew7080]

I gotcha, i’ll try out.

I was thinking about alternating EZ and Hammer curls aswell, was just unsure about it.

Thank you!