Variations and Alternatives to the Classic 5x5 Methods of Training Of all training methods and workout routines out there, I think it’s safe to say that 5x5 training is one of the most popular and most widely used by a lot of lifters, especially those seeking a combination of both size and strength. It’s not the most popular training method, I'm not saying that. I bet if you walk into most commercial gyms anywhere in America (perhaps the world) you’ll find that the majority of trainees use somewhere between 3 and 4 sets of 8 to 12 reps more than anything else. Nonetheless, 5x5 training is hugely popular. There are two ways that most lifters utilize 5x5 training. You can either do 5 progressively heavier sets of 5 reps or you can do 5 straight sets of 5 reps, using the same weight at each set. The former works better for full-body workouts performed 3 days per week. The latter tends to be ...
Essays on Old-School Strength Training, Classic Bodybuilding, Traditional Martial Arts, and Budo Philosophy