Advice from experianced strength builders Please

[mike-311]

I have been working a programme that had been suggested to me and its great. Thanks Mike!!!!

The weight I am lifting is heavy and challenging for me as the programme calls for.

However Im having problems with the whole 3 compounds in one session thing and the work load still seems lite even though I am making strength head way.

Im scared that I will lose size not doing more reps and not hitting those groups from different angles, like I used too.

How do you overcome this mentality?

Here is the programme Im using at mo (click on it and scroll down the page for workout table)

http://www.geocities.com/elitemadcow1/5 ... ar_5x5.htm

Here is my new Journal entry.

Haven't been going too heavy on legs just yet (old injury) but gonna catch up.

http://www.nzbb.co.nz/forum/viewtopic.php?t=3027

[Old Bull]

Decide what you want to do, what you really want to do and stick to it.

(i) Want to be Strong: Lift Big 5x5

(i) Want to be Big: Eat Big up the reps

"We do not rise to the level of our expectations, We fall to the level of our training"

OB

[mike-311]

As you may have noticed, i have trouble sticking to the programme anyway.

Is there not a way I can do both, doing the same programme going up in the weights using the 5x5 technique, but instead of stopping there, going on to do drop sets.

And instead of doing 3 compounds, doing possibly only two.

Or does it just not work that way.

I want to be able to use my training eventually in strength competitions, but I want the monster body also.

My diet consists mainly of 25-30g Protein every 2-3 hours in the form of boiled egg whites, protein shakes with oats and sometimes yogurt as well. On top of that around 2-3 main meals of beef, chicken or mince casseroles with mixed veges.

[keats]

Decide what you want to do, what you really want to do and stick to it.

(i) Want to be Strong: Lift Big 5x5

(i) Want to be Big: Eat Big up the reps

OB

I do both. Works well.

[SamWelly]

Same.

Diet has a lot to do with strengh IMO, I can't lift squat (excuse the pun) in the morning - But once I have carbed up a bit during the day my night workouts are a alot better. Try that out for a while and see how it works. Strength will bring size if you eat enough.

2-3 exercises, with 5 sets of 8 reps works well for me. Strength gains each week, and am still putting on mass.

[mike-311]

Same.

Diet has a lot to do with strength IMO, I can't lift squat (excuse the pun) in the morning - But once I have carbed up a bit during the day my night workouts are a alot better. Try that out for a while and see how it works. Strength will bring size if you eat enough.

2-3 exercises, with 5 sets of 8 reps works well for me. Strength gains each week, and am still putting on mass.

I never exercise after waking for exactly that reason.

and trust me I get more then enough carbs.

Having strength to do my work outs is not my problem.

The programme your suggesting is very much like what Ive been doing for years.

I think I just need to stick to this new programme for awhile and simply see how it goes, tweak it here and there and leave it at that.

I have looked through a lot of the experienced guys journals and observed the systems and patterns they apply, and Im starting to get the picture.

Thanks for your advice guys.

[SamWelly]

If you are not getting stronger on what I listed then you need to look at your diet or sleeping patterns. Lower reps will or should help with strength tho...

How do you load your weights up?

Like...

Set 1 50% of 1 RM

Set 2 70%

Set 3 80%

Set 4 85%

Set 5 90%

Or

Set 1 70%

Set 2 90%

Set 3 90%

Set 3 90%

Set 5 80%

?

Rest between sets is a big thing too...

[mike-311]

If you are not getting stronger on what I listed then you need to look at your diet or sleeping patterns. Lower reps will or should help with strength tho...

How do you load your weights up?

Like...

Set 1 50% of 1 RM

Set 2 70%

Set 3 80%

Set 4 85%

Set 5 90%

Or

Set 1 70%

Set 2 90%

Set 3 90%

Set 3 90%

Set 5 80%

?

Rest between sets is a big thing too...

Sam I understand, and thank you, but I never said I wasnt getting stronger bud.

I have provided my journal and programme links above which shows in order exactly what im doing at the mo.

But yes like you illustrated starting at 50% at 5 reps then up thro the weights (5x5) to around 95% all at 5 sets of 5 reps, then adding 2.5% at the end of 2nd to last set to gradually up my weights, setting me up for the next week.

[SamWelly]

I must have read it wrong... I thought you were saying you wanted to get stronger and bigger and were not happy with your progress...

Good luck with the new program!

[mike-311]

I must have read it wrong... I thought you were saying you wanted to get stronger and bigger and were not happy with your progress...

Good luck with the new program!

that cool bro,

My question was vague.

It was more about mindset, probably a dumb question.