On a 3×5 program, can I do 4×5 or 5×5 if I’m able to?

Asked by: Tina Thompson

Should you do 5×5 or 3×5?

When doing light weights (especially when starting with just the bar, as in Stronglifts), go with 5×5. When it’s time to deload on squats for the 2nd time, switch to 3×5 and try to get a little more out of linear progression.

Is 3×5 enough for hypertrophy?

By performing three sets of five repetitions, you will develop muscle strength and size simultaneously. This is often referred to as functional hypertrophy. While you can build muscle using lighter weights and performing higher reps, your strength gains will not be as significant.

Is 5×5 a beginner program?

The 5×5 is a simple and effective barbell training program that’s well suited for beginner and intermediate lifters. The 5×5 focuses on key barbell movements for a full body workout that will build strength and muscle, as well as your athletic performance and a host of other benefits.

Does a 5×5 program build mass?

5×5 training is one of the original and most popular muscle mass building programs being used by elite bodybuilders and athletes. It’s designed to hit a muscle group hard 2-3 times per week, while still providing enough recovery time to promote significant muscle growth.

Is 5×3 good for strength?

Generally speaking, sets of less than 5 reps are good for building power and/or testing strength, sets of 4-8 are good for building strength, sets of 8-12 are good for hypertrophy (growth of muscle size), and 12+ build/test muscular endurance.

Is 5×5 good for strength?

A well-designed 5×5 will reliably produce an increase in muscle mass, as well, provided you are eating enough calories to support this muscle growth. This version of 5×5 also contains some higher-rep accessory work that will help add muscle mass along with strength.

How do you progress a 3×5?

Do five reps for three sets add five pounds next time do five reps for three sets add five pounds next time small increases in weight over time will make you stronger.

Is 3 sets of 5 reps enough?

The National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) will break this down, suggesting the following set ranges: 2-3 will help build muscular endurance (12 to 20+ reps) 3-6 build muscular hypertrophy (6 to 12 reps) 3-5 build muscular power (3 to 5 reps)

What percent of 1RM is 3×5?

Generally I believe as an a approximate guide 5×5 + 10% = 1×5 + 10% = 1RM. So 3×5 might be a 6-7% increase to 1×5. Obviously take into account if belted on all reps and your trainees experience in attempting a 1RM which is a skill in itself. This is consistent with the above answers.

Does 5×5 cause hypertrophy?

Thus, if strength is your primary goal, you will love cluster training. Regardless, the volume is the same as a regular 5×5 program making the 5×5 cluster training program an excellent option for hypertrophy training as well. To further induce hypertrophy, just decrease the breaks in between each cluster.

Will StrongLifts 5×5 build big arms?

StrongLifts 5×5 already works your arms. Pressing the bar on the Bench and Overhead Press works your triceps. Pulling the bar on the Barbell Row works your biceps. Gripping the bar hard on Deadlifts and Squats works your arms.

What weight should I be for 5×5?

The most common figure I see is that a 5×5 workout is best done with about 81% of your 1RM. That works out to about 90% of your desired 90% intensity.

When should I stop doing 5×5?

When Should I Stop Doing Stronglifts? Put simply, when you can no longer add weight to the bar every workout, and you’ve already de-loaded 2 or more times. At this point, it’s very unlikely you’re going to get anything else out of the programme.

Is 5×5 good for athletes?

One of the most popular workout routines for athletes looking to build strength is a 5×5 workout, which is a simple but effective way for athletes to gain mass. The program is easy to follow—athletes perform lifts for 5 sets of 5 reps, generally only two to three times per week.

How long does 5×5 workout take?

With all that said, you can expect a workout with two or three exercises done 5×5 style to last anywhere from 30–60 minutes. One popular method of employing 5×5 is to do three exercises in a session, using 5×5 to train the whole body.

Can I do cardio with 5×5?

As for cardio, it’s fine after a workout or on your off-days, but don’t go overboard. “I do cardio myself,” Mehdi says, “but if you do too much, you’ll be interfering with recovery between heavy squats.” Simply put, compound exercises work and the programming in StrongLifts gives you a plan to improve them.

Can you do 5×5 everyday?

A classic muscle- and strength-building training protocol gets a considerable upgrade with this 5-day full-body routine. Even the best, most tried-and-true training techniques can use a tweak every now and then. The classic 5×5 scheme is no exception.

When should I switch from StrongLifts to madcow?

It’s aimed at intermediate lifters. When to switch from StrongLifts 5×5 to Madcow 5×5 depends on your body-weight and age. A 30y old guy weighing around 200lb will usually have to switch after reaching the 300lb Squat. The lighter/heavier you are, the sooner/later the switch to Madcow.

Who invented 5×5 training?

The 5×5 workout is when you perform five sets of five repetitions, or as the name implies, 5×5. This practice was originated by the late Olympic weightlifter and coach, Bill Starr, a legend in the world of strength training.

Is starting strength better than StrongLifts?

At first glance, StrongLifts seems a lot easier to follow than Starting Strength. But it requires a significantly higher training volume and hence it’s more suitable for intermediate lifters. Starting Strength is ideal for novices as it allows them to build a solid foundation and learn the basic compound movements.

Why does 5X5 work so well?

SL 5X5 uses compound lifts.



These exercises work large numbers of muscles at the same time, which means they also stimulate growth in all of those muscles. The bench press, for example, is going to build muscle not just in the chest, but the deltoids and triceps as well.

What are the 5 compound lifts?

Also known as compound exercises, the big 5 work multiple muscle groups at the same time, making them some of the most effective exercises you can do when it comes to building strength. The big 5 lifts include: Deadlift. Bench Press.



How To Use The Big 5 Lifts

• Deadlifts. …
• Bench Press. …
• Squats. …
• Shoulder Press. …
• Pull-Ups.

What are the 6 main lifts?

6 Basic Weight-Lifting Moves

• 6 Basic Weight-Lifting Moves.
• Squat. The squat is one of the most efficient exercises for a total-body workout. …
• Bench Press. Perhaps the most prevalent exercise in the gym, the bench press is the best exercise for a full-chest workout. …
• Deadlift. …
• Power Clean. …
• Rows. …
• Pull-Ups and Dips.

Which compound lift burns the most calories?

Lifts That Burn the Most Calories



Compound movements, such as squats, deadlifts, lunges and military presses, allow you to lift heavier weights and engage more muscle groups than isolation work. As a result, they elicit a higher EPOC effect than biceps curls, for example.