Starting 5x5.

[RxMan]

I have read all of the stickies and decided I want to give 5x5 a try. Early this morning I determined my 5 rep max for most of the exercises. I will complete the others this weekend.

In my reading I have discovered a few things.
#1 DO NOT CHANGE THE ROUTINE. I can live with this no problem.

In one of BobSmith's posts he mentions a physique that looks alot like mine. I have a very well developed chest, yet I am lacking in back and traps. Should I still go full out on the benching or decrease the poundage slightly? Is this changing the routine?

Also, my goal is a good looking physique. Like the one BS described. I do not want to become a powerlifter. I want to stay lean. Actually, get a little leaner.

I was planning on doing a small amount of cardio (20min) on MWF following the weights. Then adding 40-60 of cardio on Tuesday/Thursday. Rest on the weekends. Any problems with that? How long does the routine commonly take?

Any other advice or comments?

THANKS!

[Freddy]

Originally Posted by RxMan

I have read all of the stickies and decided I want to give 5x5 a try. Early this morning I determined my 5 rep max for most of the exercises. I will complete the others this weekend.

In my reading I have discovered a few things.
#1 DO NOT CHANGE THE ROUTINE. I can live with this no problem.

In one of BobSmith's posts he mentions a physique that looks alot like mine. I have a very well developed chest, yet I am lacking in back and traps. Should I still go full out on the benching or decrease the poundage slightly? Is this changing the routine?

Also, my goal is a good looking physique. Like the one BS described. I do not want to become a powerlifter. I want to stay lean. Actually, get a little leaner.

I was planning on doing a small amount of cardio (20min) on MWF following the weights. Then adding 40-60 of cardio on Tuesday/Thursday. Rest on the weekends. Any problems with that? How long does the routine commonly take?

Any other advice or comments?

THANKS!

I don't know why you would want to take it easy on your pressing, but you could if you wanted. The 5x5 will build the hell outta your back and traps, so they should catch up to your chest quickly.

I always say people should start the routine with conservative weights anyway, so no, using a little less weight on pressing isn't "changing the routine".

Doing the cardio is fine if your goals are appearance oriented.

[RxMan]

Thanks.
I plan on getting started Monday.

[Freddy]

Originally Posted by RxMan

Thanks.
I plan on getting started Monday.

Let us know how it goes. Feel free to post your workouts here so we can read them and see how you're doing. Or you can email one of us to make sure you're on track.

[RxMan]

Hell, I am too embarassed to post the weights I will be using. My goal is cosmetic, however, I feel like my core strength is seriously lacking. Thus, my reason for trying this program. I have everything all set up to start Monday. I am a little concerned about the ability of my legs to recover when I include cardio on Tues/Thurs. otherwise, I think everything will be fine.

Just for my reference. Let's say a persons 1 rep max on bench is 300lbs. What would be a good Deadlift and Squat weight that would correspond? I think JS has mentioned this before (in general terms) but, I couldn't find it.

I want my 'core strength' lifts to be more balanced. Hopefully, my physique will follow.

[Freddy]

Originally Posted by RxMan

Hell, I am too embarassed to post the weights I will be using. My goal is cosmetic, however, I feel like my core strength is seriously lacking. Thus, my reason for trying this program. I have everything all set up to start Monday. I am a little concerned about the ability of my legs to recover when I include cardio on Tues/Thurs. otherwise, I think everything will be fine.

Just for my reference. Let's say a persons 1 rep max on bench is 300lbs. What would be a good Deadlift and Squat weight that would correspond? I think JS has mentioned this before (in general terms) but, I couldn't find it.

I want my 'core strength' lifts to be more balanced. Hopefully, my physique will follow.

Well, if you're embarassed, you could PM me your numbers.

If you can bench 300, and are proportionally developed...I would assume you could Olympic squat 350-380, and deadlift 470-500.