Starr/Rippetoe/Madcow 5x5

[BendtheBar]

Thought I would start a discussion about results from Starr, Madcow or Rippetoe 5x5's.

How many of you have used any of these programs, what results did you have, and what did you like/dislike about them?

[strkout35]

I've made a few 3/4 assed attempts at Rippetoes (i'd say half-assed but i think i deserve a bit more credit) here's what i've gathered:


My Squats and Deadlifts improved ALOT! Bench and Shoulder Press didn't move as much. Hopefully this time that will be different, maybe i'll try to find a way to add 2.5 lbs per workout instead of 5, we'll see.

My lower back started getting really tight when I approached my 5RM on squats and deadlifts, this time around i'll be stretching and foam rolling more and taking contrast showers, should help.

Squatting heavy 3x a week did wonders for my form.

Don't think you're going to make the kind of gains that Rippetoe swears you will. I respect him alot and his program is solid, but 5 lbs added 3x a week to squats is 60 lbs a month. Not realistic in the long run.

If you're going to do the program: BUY THE BOOK


Just my $.02

[BendtheBar]

Originally Posted by strkout35

If you're going to do the program: BUY THE BOOK


Just my $.02

I agree. I own Rippetoe's books and they are a great investment, especially for anyone who wants to make strength and muscle building a life-long journey.

[strkout35]

Originally Posted by BendtheBar

I agree. I own Rippetoe's books and they are a great investment, especially for anyone who wants to make strength and muscle building a life-long journey.

exactly, he goes so in depth about form on every exercise, and answers virtually every question you could possibly have. Alot of what I know today about lifting, I learned from his book

[BigJosh]

I've tried starting strength twice and madcow's 5x5 once.
For me, I found that squating heavy 3 times a week (starting strength)was just two much. My lower back could not take it. For a month or so it's ok, but between that, deadlifts and powercleans, my lower back begins to become overly taxed.
I enjoyed Madcow's 5x5 thourghly. I experienced excellent and consistent strength gains. I also built muscle while on this routine. I think the way it is laid out is great.
I intend to run Madcow again late summer or early fall.

Also, rippetoe's books are great. Whether you like his programs or not. As far as learning the lifts, I think starting strength vol. 2 is top notch. Practical programming is also a good read whether you use his programs or not. And Strong Enough? Is also a great read. Mean ol Mr. Gravity has some good tidbits, but it's just forum Q&A really.

[Wlfdg]

Starr - As a kid I followed a Starr program that was copied out of (and painted on the basement wall) The Strongest Shall Survive. After that program I was the strongest out of my cousins near my age.

Rippetoe - Never followed one of Rips programs personally. I've "coached" more than a few young bucks in it though. All made solid gains, developed a base to work from and learned the importance of a big breakfast.

Madcow - I started Madcow last summer and was interrupted by a broken big toe from mountain biking. Madcow is still on the hit list.

[BendtheBar]

Originally Posted by Wlfdg

Madcow - I started Madcow last summer and was interrupted by a broken big toe from mountain biking. Madcow is still on the hit list.

Every now and then I get a taste for more frequent squatting. I love deadlifts, but am always drawn back to squats.

[Wlfdg]

I've been giving it some thought with the arm going so slow and all.

Max Aita, coach with Glenn Pendlay @ California Strength, recently did a high frequency squat cycle. Squatting 6 days a week, back and front.
I believe it culminated in this squat of 665#

YouTube - ‪TheDayAfter....wmv‬‏

YouTube - ‪TheDayAfter....wmv‬‏

[austin.j.taylor]

My biggest mistake was not starting on SS and starting with madcows. I made great progress in the 18 months I ran it taking my totals from basically nothing to 1100+

As others have said, buy the books they are great. PPFST2 is one of the best reads ever for the intermediate lifter.