5x5 or rippertoe's without legs ?

[gong]

Hi,

I've recently started training again after a while out of the game. I'm 30 now and trained when I was 16 to my early 20s, but not with a lot of success and since then only off and on. I've come to the conclusion that my lack of success was due to overtraining, fancy workouts and maybe not enough food.

My problem is I've recently busted my right knee (my left is not much better) and might not be able to train legs for another 3-6 months. I like the look of rippetoe's and the 5x5 workouts, but they rely heavily on legs and I do realise this has an effect on the entire body. If I were to just leave out the leg training out of these programs would that be OK or should I substitue them with more work for the other bodyparts.

My current program looks something like this:

Bench Press - 3 x 6-10 reps
Chinups - As many as possible for 3 sets
1 arm dumbell rows - 1x8
Millitary press - 3 x 6-10 reps
Dumbell curls - 2 x 6-10 reps
lying tricep ext - 2 x 6-10 reps
Abs

Performed on 2 or 3 non consecutive days a week, depending on how recovered I feel. Only been going for about 3 weeks, but will try to work up to a consistent 3 days a week.

I have been going to failure on each and every set, but have read many negative things about this and will not do it from now on.

What do you guys think ?

Cheers, Peter

[Naudo11]

If you are just starting to get back in the swing of things it would probably be best to set a goal.
For example: just trying to get fit, building muscle, trying to tone, or lose weight. By setting a goal similar to one of these you can better design a workout that fits you.
Also, you should take it easy on the legs. Learn to listen to your body. "If its broke and there's not a replacement ,don't fuck it anymore than it already is."
Naudo