3x5

[clublavela]

Alright guys. Just finished the 3x5 work-out, and I didn't feel like I had done anything. When I got done I felt as though I hadn't even worked out. I have been lfiting off and on for about two years now. Should I be doing the novice instead of the beginner?

 

[swanky11]

i dont know what you did but the first few weeks of my 5x5 i felt the same way. but once my work sets started getting higher i felt it. you either under estimated your max and should be higher or just need to wait it out.

 

[s8nlilhlpr]

The first few weeks are to get used to the movements and "deload" from what you've been doing previously. Depending on where you started vs. your current lifts, you will hit your maxes and surpass them. Give it a few weeks, if it still feels too easy, then up the weight or try the next program up.

 

[beerdrinker]

Trust me, the 3x5 moves quick. Adding weight every session adds up to a lot in just a few weeks. Enjoy your easy workouts while you've got them!

 

[clublavela]

Haha. I hear ya. I hate the feeling of leaving the gym not feeling like I did anything. I am giving it a few weeks to see how it goes.

 

[coreyb]

haha. that will pass very quickly once you start hitting prs every workout. give it time.

 

[blut wump]

Firstly, the 3x5 is a program rather than a routine. This basically means that it shouldn't be judged by a single snapshot or a single workout and is meant to last over some considerable number of workouts. While the exercises are chosen for maximal impact, its benefits arise from the ongoing progression rather than the mix of exercises.

During the early weeks, if you feel underworked, do a little bit extra. Don't, however, blast yourself to exhaustion since that'll eat into recovery. This pretty much applies to anyone at any stage in their lifting. You will get some days when you feel on top of the world and have energy to burn. Feel free to burn some of it.

I recall one workout where I was just catching my breath after my last set of deads. I remember thinking that I still felt OK and was considering doing a few sets of curls. Reason took hold at that point and I did another set of deads then went home.