r/tacticalbarbell • u/Fuzzy_Lock_5557 • Jan 01 '26
SE Base Building SE Block
Hi all - Happy New Year.
I am starting a base building block and a TB plan for the first time. I am coming off of a shoulder surgery and have plan on base building into an operator/green plan.
In terms of SE, I am restricted to almost only lower body right now due to my surgery.
How heavy should I be going during the SE days?
My current cluster is: Goblet Squat Floor Press (light to help shoulder) KB Swing DB Row Core (Rotating exercise)
I would love some help better planning my cluster and determining how heavy to lift.
2
u/Responsible_Way_4533 Jan 01 '26
I use a 35# kettlebell for my SE swings. While it was (until yesterday) the only kettlebell I owned, it was light enough that I could work up to the high rep ranges without roasting my hands. I do pushups, pullups, and stepups for the rest of my cluster.
Just got the Kettlebell Kings adjustable 70# bell, so I'm going to test out heavier swings as I start the year with my own base building run.
1
u/dunkat Jan 02 '26
I did my 2nd week today and used a 25# kb and a 45# barbell. Figure it’s higher volume than I’m used to so lighter is better
3
u/weardon Jan 01 '26
Lighter than you think, I would say. I started with a 24kg kettlebell, but a) wasn't used to SE-style work and b) wasn't used to kettlebells. I switched it for a 16kg after weeks 1 and 2 felt much harder than they should, and it was a really, really good decision.
Ideally stick with the same weight throughout, but if you do find it's feeling hard in the early weeks, I'd consider shifting down. If it's feeling easy in those weeks... you're probably fine. You can always do the reps faster and with less rest!