5x5 while on gear??

[Petay Pan]

Hi guys,

I know I've already had a thread on how to use/change the 5x5 while on cycle but had no replies that really answered my question. I'm just curious as to what extent it would affect the program. Obviously it would still work, but would the enhanced recovery warrant an extra session, more volume, more exercises or whatever.

Any input would be great. By the way just started the intermediate 5x5, and i'm LOVING squatting every session!!

 

[SgtSlaughter]

No do not change the program unless you know what your doing, in which case you would not have asked

Stick with it, you'll see great results gear or no gear.

 

[Petay Pan]

Ok cool, I'm not too experienced with the 5x5 methodology (blame it on muscle & fitness )

I just wanted to make the most out of my training and gear. Not on yet, but getting everything lined up.

 

[al420]

Buy Starting Strength and Practical Programing by Mark Rippetoe...today. YOu will have answers to all your questions.

 

[SgtSlaughter]

AL... I can appreciate how much you seem to obviously love the new books but damn you're becoming a marketing machine for them

I want the helpful AL back

 

[anotherbutters]

Save the gear for when you need it.

 

[andy11]

Save the gear for when you need it.

Nobody needs it, get it the fuck out of sports. (And if you don't play sports I can't even fathom why you would think you need gear)

 

[blut wump]

This took a sour turn.

PP, think of gear as giving you a rung up on the conditioning ladder. You can accomodate more work with less increase in fatigue than you can without the added hormones. You'll also get stronger a little faster in response to the stress of working out (or a lot faster if you've gone crazy with dosage, but then the shock of losing it will be upsetting).

You'll be able to add in the ancillary arm work without its detracting noticably from the main lifts. You'll be able to add in the hypers and do abs every day. etc, etc. You can still burn yourself out, though, so always be alert for overtraining.

The main difference you'll find is that the PR lifts will be available to you every lifting session and it might even get easier to be making new PRs. If this happens then you'll have some slack to play with and should simply make a larger jump for the following week. Keep it sane but you could add 5% rather than 2.5%, or whatever the standard weekly increment is. If that one feels tough then do 2.5% again the following week. If any particular PR feels way too easy then bump the weight there and then and do another set. You should, however, remain careful not to go too far since you can still burn out and blow the program.

Basically, just keep pushing your main lifts as normal. Gear does enhance you but it doesn't magically turn you into a superman.

There's a lot to be said for AB's approach and saving the gear until you've built a good base of quality muscle and reliable strength. I don't know your history but if you're new to the 5x5 workouts then I'd suggest putting off your cycle for a while until you have some experience of running them natty.