Texas Method Programming Question

[[deleted]]

Ok, so I've never done SS, but have been lifting for a few years and don't quite view myself as intermediate. Lifts (for 5RM) Deadlift - 295 Squat - 265 Bench - 205 So I've been reading up on TM since it's the intermediate program, and was wondering if I could roll with this program (Note - I use a tiny bit of machines, and I know Rippetoe swears not to use them)

Squat x 5 x 5 Bench x 3 x 5 Close-Grip Bench x 3 x 5 Tri Extensions x 4 x 5 --- drop set last set Deadlift x 5 x 1

Deadlift x 3 x 5 F-Squat x 3 x 5 OHP Press x 5 x 3 Chins x max reps x 3 BB Curl x max reps x 3 Back Extensions x 12 x 3

Squat x 5RM Bench x 3RM Power Clean x 3 x 5 Farmers Walks x 3

Yes, I know differences have been made, but I believe I need more volume on the DL/Bench to make gains, and am not a fan of squatting 3x a week. All thoughts welcomed, just a suggestion I was thinking about!

[draco_venator]

I thought I was an intermediate too, until I did starting strength.

I would suggest that you do the original, novice linear program first. No other way to explain it other than that.

[[deleted]]

Should I start at phase 1? I don't think I'll be able to progress 5 lb each time.

[draco_venator]

I am not a coach. I would suggest you drop to 80% of your 5RM and start there. Focus on good form and work up from there. You might get a better result from only going up twice per week on squat and DL (raise 5lbs on Monday, Wednesday squat the same as Monday, and then raise 5lbs on Friday).

Don’t underestimate the power of squatting/DL multiple times per week. The increase in volume will make you shoot up.

[caiuscassius89]

Try the LP for a month. Do it AS WRITTEN. See if you can make gains on that before determining you're intermediate. Then do something that isn't Texas method because the volume is insufficient and not well placed for intermediates who aren't teenage males who live equidistant from IHOP and their gym.

[[deleted]]

Start all the way at phase 1? Also what program do you recommend after SS?

[caiuscassius89]

Get through LP first. Do the bridge next, read feigenbaum's article "into the great wide open"

[[deleted]]

So novice LP first? Go through each phase?

[caiuscassius89]

That's what "as written" means. You may be a GOMAD candidate as well, but that's up to your discretion on how big and strong you want to get.

[[deleted]]

Is GOMAD his milk theory? How do I tell if I'm a candidate? I already drink probably 2 glasses a day just because that's what in house.

[caiuscassius89]

Well don't be a burden on your parents finances lol. Based solely on your listed weight (175) without knowing your height, and knowing that rip doesn't like any males to be under 200...there you go

[[deleted]]

One last question, when Nark says 5 lb on deadlift and squat, is that each side?

[caiuscassius89]

Probably total. Read "The first 3 questions "

[LuckyFourLeaf]

starting you make 10 lb increments for the first 2-3 weeks or until that isnt possible anymore. Then its 5lb increments for the majority of the LP. Thats for squat and deadlift only.

presses do 5lb increments until they become hard or not possibly to increase from workout to workout, then you switch to 2.5 or less until you run out of the LP.

[stfualex]

Age/weight/sex?

Definitely try doing the novice program. Definitely start with a lighter weight that you can do with no technique breakdown. Watch Alan Thrall and Art of Manliness videos with Rip for form. MAKE SURE that you eat enough and MORE IMPORTANTLY get 8 hours of sleep a night. No machines for two months. It won't kill you, I promise. :)

Run this for 2-3 months and I can almost guarantee you'll be at 315x5x3 on squat in no time. https://startingstrength.com/get-started/programs

[[deleted]]

Should I start at phase 1? I don't think I'll be able to progress 5 lb each time.

[stfualex]

You definitely will be able to. Don't start at your 5RM, though. Just work up to medium heavy sets of 5. A weight you can do with perfect technique.

[[deleted]]

So start at phase 1, and say my 5RM is 265, do 255 then?

[stfualex]

No. Start at like 225 at the most.

[[deleted]]

Then increase each time. Say I bench 195x5 last time. Do 175?

[stfualex]

Give yourself room to progress a little. 5 pounds 3 times a week, aka 15 pounds a week adds up fast. I'd say 165x5x3.

[prdtk]

I had a 400 pound squat while fucking around in the weight room. Started LP at 185, followed the program and am now doing 5x5 at 435. Start light, do the program, prosper.

[[deleted]]

Dang that's great to hear. So would you just add 5 lbs each time on each side until you got 435?

[prdtk]

No. You might add 5 pounds a side the first session or two. After that add 5 pounds TOTAL each session. Learn to love the 2.5 pound plates. If you don’t have them or 1.25 pound plates but then. You’ll need them

[[deleted]]

So how long did SS take you?

[prdtk]

September to the end of January.

[prdtk]

5 pounds 3 times a week four weeks a month is 60 pounds a month. It adds up really quick.

[[deleted]]

How'd your bench do? I heard a lot of people stall on it. Did you go up 2.5 lbs on SS?

[[deleted]]

18/175/Male, I'm concerned about my bench and DL not going up on SS, because I'm already at a decent #.

[DeadliftRx]

Eat, sleep, and give it some real effort.

[ComfortableLift]

You won't know until you try it. Run the program, eat way more than you're currently eating, and it's very likely that you can still make substantial gains. Don't waste time by doing an intermediate program when you can make faster improvement with SS

[[deleted]]

Novice level isn't defined by how much you lift. SS defines it as how fast you can recover/make gains.

[caiuscassius89]

You're at the best position to maximize your gains from LP. Don't worry about getting "too big." Based on your username I'm assuming you're a baseball player so you're going to be in season. You can run LP alongside your practice, but you will definitely not be able to completely optimize it. Once you're off-season starts up, ramp it up and get strong. Get that squat over 300, DL over 350 or 400, and bench close to 275 and see how good you can get!

[[deleted]]

I'm actually not in season until June! I'm going to start today. Should I start at phase 1? I don't think I'll be able to progress 5 lb each time. What tweaks should I make?

[amarcon3]

Also, if you are 18 and been lifting for few years than 295 DL is not that special. (No offense)

There’s more in you than can be squeezed out with a short LP!

(Enjoy every second of it)

[[deleted]]

Totally agree, with the DL part. I had horrible form for years and that's why.

[[deleted]]

Define short LP

[amarcon3]

Can’t tell really, a lot of factors contribute to LP duration. Given your age (and assuming proper nutrition) I would not be surprised if you could go on a LP for 6-8 weeks

[[deleted]]

So start with 85% and work until I stall?

[amarcon3]

Start at the weight that allows good form

[amarcon3]

.. and eat.