NeedSize...I'm confused

[Slyder190]

I've been using 5x5 since Sept. Been on a cycle for 4 weeks now. My 5x5 lifts keep going up, but the sets of 8-10 are dropping. How can this be if my 5x5 are increasing AND I'm cycling? I rest 3-4 minutes for 5x5 sets and 90sec - 2 min for the sets of 8-10. I even tried bumping the rest time to 3 minutes and still am actually getting weaker on the sets of 8-10. I'm beside myself.

 

[Lord_Suston]

how good is your conditioning, it is hard to do 5x5 at max loads and do 2x8 if you aren't in top condition, my one suggestion is to find the weak point in the 2x8 lift and analyize it, that lift is suppose to bring up weak points

 

[needsize]

I've never had that happen, Suston may be onto something with his explanation

 

[Slyder190]

Volume

I know I do respond better to a lower volume. Maybe the volume for 5x5 (though not high volume) caught up to me? I would usually do about 4 sets for bodyparts such as chest and legs and 3 for arms and delts. Gotta figure out my next step. I am after hypertrophy before strength, but strength is aclose second. I may switch up for the remainder of my cycle and then go back to just the straight 5x5 sets afterwords. 5x5 is addicting.

 

[socal girl]

i don't think there is anything wrong with this. when you increase the weight used for 5x5, you'll use more energy up and performance on subsequent sets may suffer. if your 5x5 weight is increasing, you are meeting the goal. think of the subsequent sets as an assistance lift and don't focus as much on the numbers.

 

[paul2110]

5x5 is working wonders for me!

This routine is great for bulking.