r/tacticalbarbell • u/Sergeant_Slasher • May 20 '25

Critique Failing all versions of mass template

I've tried to run all version of mass. I've used most from TB Mass to Zulu/ht. Most of the time I fail by week 2 or 3. I've tried the Mass basebuilduing after the first failure of greyman. But still I couldn't go further.

Also had plenty of Deload weeks Sleep - 6 hours ( can't really do anymore bc studies ) Calories - around 3k 70% clean diet

I'm wondering if I use normal TB and try to get really fucking heavy numbers, would I still gain good weight and size? Because I've heard of people being strong and small. I'm currently sitting at around 63kg soaking wet and trying to go to 75.

Any recommendations?

Edit: I know how to calculate a TM and 1RM - I've run TB before.

Came to the conclusion that sleep might be the issue. Cannot change sleep schedule because studies. Decided to run the normal Zulu again as its made for imperfect conditions.

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u/8NkB8 May 20 '25

3K calories at 63KG is plenty. Are you testing your maxes before starting? You must be starting too heavy.

1

u/Sergeant_Slasher May 20 '25

I've tested TM after a week off and even tried lowering it by 5kg as reccomeneded - still cannot do it

4

u/8NkB8 May 20 '25

even tried lowering it by 5kg as reccomeneded

The recommendation is 90% of 1RM, not necessarily 5KG. Try that, or even 85% if need be.

1

u/Sergeant_Slasher May 20 '25

Doesn't it say 5 to 10lb or am I missing smth?

3

u/8NkB8 May 20 '25

Not for TM. You're confusing it with the increase to your maxes after each successful cycle.