Rippetoe 3x5 Question

[cmarcell]

I have 2 questions, both of which I think I know, but I'd rather double check and do the program to a T.

1. I have been assuming that unlike the intermediate 5x5, 3x5 means 3 sets of 5 reps at the same weight, no ramping. Is this correct? If there is a ramp, by what percentage should the weights be ramped? But like I said, I believe its straight sets.

2. What I got from reading up on the program is that weight is added to each workout, by no percentage, but by 5-10 lbs. I'm just not sure how much to increase per lift, and whether to do it every workout (because you squat every day), or what not. One thing I do know, is if I added 5 lbs each workout to the press, it'd probably stall quickly.

Thanks.

 

[coreyb]

To answer your first question, you were correct in thinking that they are just straight sets (ie. 150x5, 150x5, 150x5).

To the second question, yes you add weight to every lift every workout! I added 10 lbs to my squats each day for the first month because I started very low. Then I went to 5 lbs, then to 2.5 and so on. Now for the smaller lifts I did 5 lbs a workout then 2.5...then 1 and...you get the idea.

You should definately invest in some microweights to do this correctly.

 

[Sculelos]

Yea when I start stalling I try to increase the weights but the smallest increments I can go are 5lbs so if I can't do 5lbs higher sometimes I will add a rep or add more weights and do maby 3-4 reps instead.

Sucks but I have to work around it and am still gaining well.

 

[s8nlilhlpr2]

Yea when I start stalling I try to increase the weights but the smallest increments I can go are 5lbs so if I can't do 5lbs higher sometimes I will add a rep or add more weights and do maby 3-4 reps instead.

Sucks but I have to work around it and am still gaining well.

you can make micro weights very easily from some chain and a clip...I'll try and find the article for it later. I've got 2 pairs....1 set = 1 1/4 lbs the other 2 1/2 lbs. gives me 3 even increments up to the smallest plates...1 1/4, 2 1/2, 3 3/4, 5 etc....