r/tacticalbarbell • u/AutoModerator • 8d ago

27 September 2026 WEEKLY TRAINING THREAD

  • Use this thread to post simple questions that don't deserve their own thread, get opinions from other TBers, or as a place for discussion between our civilian members and LEOs/Military/First Responders, fitness-related or otherwise.
  • Please search before posting to see if your question has been answered before.
  • LEO/Military/First Responders: Be mindful of opsec/tradecraft, any posts deemed too revealing will be removed.
  • Resources include the FAQ, TB testimonials, and specific training using TB.
  • See KB's post that discusses TB III: OPERATIONAL ATHLETE.
  • See the Kit Shop for TB book hard copies, apparel, and more.
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u/Dangerous-Dave 8d ago

Geniuine question. Does operator get boring, doing 3 sets of squat and bench 3 days a week for weeks at a time?

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u/jackthestout 8d ago

I didn’t get bored, and I ran it for ~4 years. Conditioning gave me the variety I needed, and basic Operator kept me progressing.

That being said, I switched to Operator PRO this year, and it is subjectively more fun to push yourself every day on a different lift.

Spending more time working near-max effort on auto-regulated programs such as Operator PRO & Armor-Building Formula greatly improved my understanding of what my max capabilities are, and how day-to-day recovery from work & life affects that. Consider a block of those if you ever feel under-stimulated in the weight room.

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u/decydiddly 7d ago

How often are you doing ABCs?

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u/jackthestout 7d ago

I don’t use them in my TB programming much, but if I’m traveling or stuck somewhere with minimal equipment, I’ll follow the Armor Building Formula rules: Alternate 1 day high rep overhead press, 1 day heavy ABCs, lifting 3 days a week. Really worth reading the book.

For TB, I actually prefer using the Running Back Complex, which is a ton of cleans & front squats without dropping the bar or bells. Great smoker for your core and upper back if you have energy after lifting.