The 5X5 training approach has been around for decades and has proven to be effective for many types of strength athletes. Originally popularized by bodybuilding legend Reg Park in the 1950’s, I’ve found that the 5X5 can also be effective when used on compound assistance exercises for Olympic lifters. It’s also effective for short cycles, 3 to 5 weeks, for Power lifting movements.
THREE APPROACHES!!!
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Light weight for speed: 5 sets of 5 reps with no more than 60 seconds rest between sets. 60% to 65% of your 1 RM. is recommended. NOTE: It’s important that you move the weight a fast as possible with 100% effort on each rep. Maximum bar velocity is important to get the optimum use of your fast twitch muscle fibers.
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Medium weight: 5 to 6 sets of 5 to 6 reps. Work up over the first 2 to 3 sets, then do 2 to 3 sets of with the same work weight. 75% to 85% is recommended.
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Heaviest weight: 5 to 6 sets working up to limit “all-out” set of 3 to 5 reps on the last set. 85% to 95% is recommended.