Not really understanding Needsize's 5x5 routine

[CobraUTAH]

It seems weird at first because you've never done anything like it. I had a max bench of 260 after just 3 months my max was at 290. I was doing 5x5 with 240 when I was at my best right before maxing. I had only been able to get maybe 2 reps for 1 set of 240 before that. I started my 5x5 at 190 way below what I could actually have done, but the progressive resistance works and it didn't stop me until 245 but more because I changed my routine for a cutting cycle. Anyway just stick with it start nice and low and keep adding the 5 pounds a week. Give your body and mind time to get used to the 5 rep range and make it explosive make it feel hard squeeze the chest and make it work because although it seems easy now when you get the weight up it will be plenty hard. I'm currently back to 240 for 5x5 which I plan to do tomorrow, and it will be quite hard on all sets. When you get trained for and strong at the 5x5 your body learns to go all out for 5 reps 5 times in a row it's much different than a pyramid or any other routine. IT WORKS!! I use it on every muscle group, and I'm bigger and stronger for it in just 9 months with three wasted months in between, cutting sucks!!

 

[athlete0185]

second week, 1st day of chest + triceps today on the 5x5. felt EXPLOSIVE. i was just on a roll. pumping out the sets left and right got in and out of the gym in 45 min with a full workout it was unreal.

 

[Heahy Minister]

What about if increase the weight by 10lbs for the first few weeks?

 

[athlete0185]

^^^

i think youll hit a plateau rather quickly or come to a point where you won't be progressing every workout and youll have to stay at the same weight until you can do the whole 5x5 and still be able to increase and do 5x5 for the next week.

 

[needsize]

^^^

i think youll hit a plateau rather quickly or come to a point where you won't be progressing every workout and youll have to stay at the same weight until you can do the whole 5x5 and still be able to increase and do 5x5 for the next week.

exactly, stick with just 5lbs. Even when deadlifting over 500lbs for reps, I still only add 5lbs per week

 

[Destroyer03]

Needsize, is this your own personal workout routine? or did someone pass it down to you?

 

[needsize]

there is an oldschool version of the 5x5 from decades ago, but its very different from this one. This approach is something I came up with, after sitting down with a competitive bodybuilder and nationally ranked powerlifter, to try and get the best of both worlds

 

[JKurz1]

Needsize...could I/we see your current split? Much appreciated bro - I'm stuck between DC training and 5x5.......like em both.....Probably will do one for part of the year and then the other....everything I read says the constant tention (DC stytle) is the way to go, coupled with the higher reps.......but, I do think both work very well........

 

[needsize]

Needsize...could I/we see your current split? Much appreciated bro - I'm stuck between DC training and 5x5.......like em both.....Probably will do one for part of the year and then the other....everything I read says the constant tention (DC stytle) is the way to go, coupled with the higher reps.......but, I do think both work very well........

by split do you mean which bodyparts I train on which days, or do you mean the sets and reps. I'm currently not doing 5x5 as I had to change my training after the show

 

[JKurz1]

Just curious as to both...how you are training right now....what your split looks like..and what reps/sets/exercises you are using....thanks bra - karma up!