How is my 5x5 routine?

[young_squatter]

Hey everyone, I was wondering if my 5x5 routine is good or not? What could be changed to make it better?

Monday: Heavy Day
ATG squats 5x5
Bench Press 5x5 (Pyramiding to top set)
Barbell Rows 1x5
3 sets of weighted abs
3 sets of Tricep Extensions

Wed: Light Day
Squats 5x5 15%-20% Lighter then Monday
Deadlifts 5x5
Military Press 5x5
Pull ups 5x5
4 sets of dumbell curls
3 sets abs

Friday: Medium
Squats 5x5 (Pyramid up to top set)
Bench Press 5x5
Barbell Rows 5x5
3 sets pushdowns
3 sets abs

[Girth]

I can't say for sure what else to do, as I don't know your goals. But here's an all around tip. When someone lays out a program, don't immediately try to make it better. The person who layed it out has made it what they feel to be the best. You are essentially doing double work, and possibly moving backwards when you try to "tweak" things.

What you've got is great. Do that for 2 cycles (e.g. 4-6 weeks 5x5, 3-4 weeks 3x3, then repeat). At this point you need to evaluate where you want to focus, what abilities you need, and drive your training towards that.

[young_squatter]

Originally Posted by Girth

I can't say for sure what else to do, as I don't know your goals. But here's an all around tip. When someone lays out a program, don't immediately try to make it better. The person who layed it out has made it what they feel to be the best. You are essentially doing double work, and possibly moving backwards when you try to "tweak" things.

What you've got is great. Do that for 2 cycles (e.g. 4-6 weeks 5x5, 3-4 weeks 3x3, then repeat). At this point you need to evaluate where you want to focus, what abilities you need, and drive your training towards that.

Thanks,
My main goals are to increase my strength in my bench press and in my squat. Also to get mass with it as well.

[Girth]

Then all you need is enough food/protein and you are good to go. Look into the nutrition forum. If you are young, "enough" food is more than you think.

The strength part will most likely come regardless of food intake. That's just how good the program is. I've been lifting for 14 years, and I still got stronger on this program....whilst barely eating enough for an elderly woman.

[monsoon]

why are you doing only 1 set of rows?

[young_squatter]

Originally Posted by monsoon

why are you doing only 1 set of rows?

Sorry about that, its 5x5 working up to a 5 rep max

[perp69]

5x5 works great. Try not to alter it too much. From what I read and am experiencing when you first start the program you will progress for a long time before having to maybe sub different lifts or rep schemes. I have been doing it for a year now and still making great progress and I don't do any extra arm work (yeap they have grow good also). Granted I did screw it up the first couple of runs but I still made gains.