While I do differ with PP in some fundamental ways when it comes to basic theory (not that I KNOW anything for sure) it am not questioning the basic tenants of the method. I am simply coming at this from the stand point of writing to a general un-coached population. I would never dane to try to instruct proffesional powerlifters. Their needs and their aversion to risk is quite different from people who don't compete. For that matter, the needs of a different kind of athlete and their risk aversion will be different also. For them the need to perform at the utmost in their given endeavor may supercede the need to display maximal strength at any given time.
But one's ability to display maximal strength depends on their state of recovery at that time. So much of this hinges on our ability to manage fatigue. Fatigue can mask fitness gains but the fitness gains are still there. An attempt at a new PR that doesn't result in a new PR can be a very transitory indicator of the state of fitness and fatigue. The fitness is there it is simply masked by residual fatigue.
While it may be possible to perfectly micro-manage fatigue and recovery I don't think it is realistic or even desirable for everyone. Qutie frankly, I don't think people should be doing 24 weeks of 5X5
I happen to think for very good reasons that an inability to make continued PR's on Friday but with no inability to progress on Monday could still be an indicator of fatigue present of Friday that simply disapates by Monday simply because the fatigue from maximal strength work is not as long lasting as fatigue from maximal work. Whatever residual fatigue is present of Friday and whatever fatigue is added by Friday could still disapate enough over two days to allow progress on Monday but again result in residual fatigue masking PR ability on Friday. It is very likely that enough is not being done on Monday to spur continue progress on Friday but it is also very possible that a further reductions in Wednesday's offload could solve the problem. After all what constitutes an effective off-load for anyone individual is bound to be different. Can I guarantee any of this? Of course not. That's the whole point. It has to be flexible.
Obviously if regression occurs on Friday this would be a more clear cut case of residual fatigue. And if progress stalls on Monday and stalls and/or regresses on Friday it should be obvious.
But what is my point here?
It is not simply to disagree with Rippetoe, lol. He's the man. What I'm trying to do is speak to the average trainee. Tell them not to go scrambling to make changes on Monday every time they miss a PR on Friday (I have a feeling this would happen). If you are progressing week to week and there is a very good tendency toward making PR's every Friday you are on a good track. For many this is probably a non-issue. For the most part the very act of attempting a PR on Friday will do the job on Friday (this is where I differ a bit). If you're not trying to meet deadlines then slow and steady wins the race.
What the hell did he just say? It sounds like I'm saying it doesn't take a PR to "facilitate neural pathways"? Yep, that is what I'm saying. Don't get me wrong. I want you to progress on Friday! I just don't want you to panic if you don't once in a while. Ask yourself why it is OK to put speed work on Friday.
Many people come to this kind of training with some very bad habits, imbalances, brewing injuries....all sorts of things that can lead to problems if this were approached with too much "enthusiasm". It is possible to gain strength too quickly (let the hate mail begin
). Lot's of people are doing Starting Strength and I am already seeing little and big injuries crop up. Is this because starting strength is bad? Of course not! It's just that what is good for the goose isn't always good for the gander.
While in this thread we are promoting learning and self awareness you basically start with a cookie cutter approach and I think it is best to build on it slowly and systematically. You don't have Rip looking over your shoulder after all.