Today's discussion........

[needsize]

needsize: sounds like the 5x5 system is a method of doing several different intensity sets throughout your workout. One or two light/moderate, one or two moderate to hard, one or two hard and to failure...

Sounds good...

B True

That's kinda it, when I do it I really concentrate on performing the reps slow and isolating the target muscle as much as I can, so even on the non-failure sets, you're still getting a lot of muscle fibre stimulation. But for me it's performing the same work out for a given # of weeks, but constantly adding weight that forces my body to grow to adapt.

loudin, I don't really count the first sets of 5 to be warmups, but in a way they are. I do a lot of warmup sets before I get to the first set of 5 though. For example, on squat day I'll do 10 reps with just the bar, 8 reps with 135, 5 reps with 225, 5 reps with 315, say 2 reps on 315, then my working sets on 405lbs. My warmups are just enough to get the muscle ready to hit hard, but they dont fatigue me

I do agree with big nate as well, the system might not work as well for everyone. I'm always changing the program myself, ie, as part of post cycle gains keeping I've switched to 5 sets of 3 reps instead, and am hitting weights for those sets that I was happy to single 6 months ago.

gettinlarger, glad to hear it's working, I love success stories

 

[decadur]

Needsize, what's up man? Sounds like your training is going pretty good.
I just wanted to say that the 5x5 system sounds like its good, but like every 'heavy weight/low rep' system, I personally don't think it should be used for more than about a month, followed by 2-3 months of higher rep-range workouts, like 8-12.
My training doesn't change that much when trying to add bulk other than going down to a 4-6 rep range, but still not with every set of these workouts (At least 2 sets of every exercise are higher rep). I'll only do this for about a month, then go back to the 8-12 rep range system for a bit.
I should also say that I do every set to failure! But I NEVER use a spotter.
Personally, I think this will give you a better physique in the long run, with less chance of training injuries.
Just my opinion.

 

[coolcolj]

I got before and afters coming that will show you the muscle building power of low reps and explosive moves - getting close to 15 lbs gain now since 7 weeks ago and without a trace of extra fat. I'm hopeful I'll hit 20lbs by 12 weeks.

That will put me right on 200lbs - crazy

 

[needsize]

decadur, th way I do the 5x5 system, I also include higher rep sets, 6-10 reps, in the same workout to hit both fast and slow twitch fibres