Quote:
Originally Posted by Anuj
why are you pyramiding your weights up...? isnt 5x5 supposed to be done by choosing one single weight and performing 5 sets of 5 reps with it... and then increasing the weight the next session by 10-15%...?
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Anuj, your program I believe is pyramided as well. In the end, doing 5x5 with the same weight yields more overall volume, yes. However, by pyramiding up in weight, it allows the lifter to hit that target weight for their final set of 5 reps. Even an advanced program like the one I did (dual factor 5x5) has one or two exercises that are to be pyramided up. If the lifter wants to have a "harder" day in the gym, he could keep the pyramid increments closer together: 225, 230, 235, 240,
245x5..Instead of 165, 185, 205, 225,
245x5. Either way is fine, so long as that final set of 5 reps is done without a spotter, on your own. Eventually, once a lifter has become more advanced with the protocol, they should exchange the pyramid scheme out for a straight 5x5..Unless it's squats. Also remember that a pyramid will have a max set of 5 reps that will of course be a lot higher than doing 5x5 (same weight). For example:
A2G Squats (1x5): 225, 235, 245, 255,
265x5.
A2G Squats (5x5): 245, 245, 245, 245,
245x5.
EDIT: To respond to your question Anuj..You could still pyramid to a max set, but I wouldn't bother for now since it's only 3x5. If you hit a wall, then I would recommend it. This was an edit so I won't hijack Verb's thread space.