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Bill Starr 5x5

 

Madcow Intermediate 5x5 (SJB modified)
Monday – Heavy Day 
Squat – 5 sets of 5 
Bench – 5 sets of 5 
Powerclean – 5 sets of 5 

Weighted hyperextensions - 2 sets 
Weighted sit-ups (crunches) - 4 sets

Pull-ups - 3 sets

Warm-down jog (optional)


Ramp up weight for each subsequent set starting at 50% incrementally moving up to 100%, i.e. 50, 62.5, 75, 87.5, 100. Increase rest between sets in the same way, starting with 1 minute between sets one and two up to 4 minutes between four and five.

Vary weight and reps for extensions, crunches and pull-ups, use a shorter rest period.


Tuesday - Cardio

Gym or run

Stretch (optional)

Do HIIT for 30 - 45 minutes.

Wednesday – Light Day

Squat – 4 sets of 5 
Overhead Press – 4 sets of 5 
Deadlift – 4 sets of 5 
Sit-ups - 3 sets


Bent-over rows - 3 sets

Jog (optional)


For Squat do the first three sets the same as monday then repeat the third set once or twice if easy, i.e. 50, 62.5, 75, 75, 75 optional.

Overhead press and deadlift are to be ramped up in the same way as other exercises except missing the first warm-up set, i.e. 62.5, 75, 87.5, 100.

Bent-over rows; vary weight and rest, can be swapped with another supplement exercise for variation, e.g. upright rows.

Thursday - Light Cardio

Gym or run

Stretch (optional)

Don't over-do it, usually tired by this time of the week, don't want to miss reps!

Friday - Medium 
Squat – 4 sets of 5, 1 triple, 1 set of 8 
Bench – 4 sets of 5, 1 triple, 1 set of 8 
Powerclean– 4 sets of 5, 1 triple, 1 set of 8&nbsp 
Weighted Dips - 3 sets of 5-8 

Triceps Extension and Biceps Curl - 3 sets

First four sets are the same as monday with the fifth set being a triple @ 102.5% of monday's fifth set, i.e. 50, 62.5, 75, 87.5, 102.5. The weight used in the fifth set becomes the baseline for monday's fifth set, i.e. 102.5% friday = 100% subsequent monday.

Vary reps and rest as with previous supplement exercises.


Saturday - Cardio

Run

Stretch (optional)


Sunday - Optional

Run

Stretch

Test 1 RM's

This should be a light day or rest if exercised on Saturday.

Don't test 1 RM's too often, no-more than once a fortnight!


Notes

Start program with weight that is relatively easy i.e. ~ 90% / max.

Don't increase weight too quickly making sure good form is maintained, decrease weight if tendonitis starts.

De-load every few weeks, e.g. every 6 weeks go back to the weight used 2 weeks previously.

Try to stretch as least twice a week, this will reduce chance of injury and allow training for longer periods.

Cardio more than three times a week will slow strength progression and increase risk of injury.


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