Need help deciding how and when to backload with this training schedule…

[guitarjon]

I'm going to start CBL again this week, I'm doing SA and I'm going to use the PHAT routine.  It'll be a 5 day split with 2 power days and 3 hypertrophy days.  Sorry if this gets a bit wordy but it's tricky (at least I think it is).  Based on the time I go to bed (between 12am and 2am), and the time I get up (8am), my ideal time to start training would be pretty late in the day, say about 7:30-8pm (my gym closes at 9pm).  Saturday the gym is only open 9am-2pm.  I'm busy on Tuesday and Friday nights.  So, while I'd rather just train in my ideal evening window, I can't do that every day.  I could play around with the program template but I'm not sure whether or not that's a good idea.My schedule will allow for me to train at the following times:Monday: Upper Body Power @7:30pm (no issues here)Tuesday: Lower Body Power (available all day until 7pm)Wednesday: In the program this is an off day, but I'm available at night so it seems like a waste.Thursday: Back and Shoulders Hypertrophy @ 7:30pmFriday: Lower Body Hypertrophy @ 10am (I'm available until 1pm)Saturday: Chest and Arms Hypertrophy @ 10amSunday: RestSo, I'd rather train at 7:30pm on Wednesday, being that it's much more ideal for a backload, but the program calls for an off day.  I'm not thrilled about combining am and pm training times but this is what I've got to work with.  I'd really like some suggestions here.  Also, Day 10 of my prep phase is this Tuesday, but I'm only available until 7pm, which is not optimal.  Monday (day 9), or Wednesday (day 11) I could train at my optimal time (7:30pm).  I'm totally ready for this prep to be over, but I want to be confident that I've followed it through properly...I want some f**king energy though.

[David Margittai]

Here's how I'd do it, bud. I think this works well as long as your gym is open reasonable hours on Sunday (which you didn't mention):Monday: Chest and Arms Hypertrophy @ 7:30pmTuesday: OffWednesday: Upper Power @ 7:30pmThursday:Lower Power @ 7:30pmFriday: OffSaturday: Back and Shoulder Hypertrophy @ 10amSunday: Lower Body Hypertrophy hopefully @ 7:30pmIn actuality, this wouldn't be shifting the routine around, it would just be "starting" the template in the middle of the week -- it's still 2 Power, Rest, 3 Hypertrophy, Rest, Repeat.This could also still allow for backloading on the 5 workout days, with it being up to you whether to have some sort of backload (I'd say maybe go for a clean/controlled one) on Saturday night to gear up for your Sunday session.Just my 2 cents.

[guitarjon]

Here's how I'd do it, bud. I think this works well as long as your gym is open reasonable hours on Sunday (which you didn't mention):Monday: Chest and Arms Hypertrophy @ 7:30pmTuesday: OffWednesday: Upper Power @ 7:30pmThursday:Lower Power @ 7:30pmFriday: OffSaturday: Back and Shoulder Hypertrophy @ 10amSunday: Lower Body Hypertrophy hopefully @ 7:30pmIn actuality, this wouldn't be shifting the routine around, it would just be "starting" the template in the middle of the week -- it's still 2 Power, Rest, 3 Hypertrophy, Rest, Repeat.This could also still allow for backloading on the 5 workout days, with it being up to you whether to have some sort of backload (I'd say maybe go for a clean/controlled one) on Saturday night to gear up for your Sunday session.Just my 2 cents.

Oh I forgot to mention, my gym is closed on Sunday (businesses hold strange hours in this country), not to mention I'm only available until 2pm. 

[David Margittai]

Here's how I'd do it, bud. I think this works well as long as your gym is open reasonable hours on Sunday (which you didn't mention):Monday: Chest and Arms Hypertrophy @ 7:30pmTuesday: OffWednesday: Upper Power @ 7:30pmThursday:Lower Power @ 7:30pmFriday: OffSaturday: Back and Shoulder Hypertrophy @ 10amSunday: Lower Body Hypertrophy hopefully @ 7:30pmIn actuality, this wouldn't be shifting the routine around, it would just be "starting" the template in the middle of the week -- it's still 2 Power, Rest, 3 Hypertrophy, Rest, Repeat.This could also still allow for backloading on the 5 workout days, with it being up to you whether to have some sort of backload (I'd say maybe go for a clean/controlled one) on Saturday night to gear up for your Sunday session.Just my 2 cents.

Oh I forgot to mention, my gym is closed on Sunday (businesses hold strange hours in this country), not to mention I'm only available until 2pm.

Well...that's a real doozy, then. I'll have to do some more thinking on it in that case.

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