Texas Method Volume Day

[John Petrizzo]

Hi Andy,

Thank you for taking the time to answer all the questions on the board, I have really enjoyed it. I have read several posts about your approach for augmenting TM intensity day by using five singles across as opposed to using a max set of five.

I was wondering if you have found any particular set and rep scheme that works well to keep progress going on volume day once 5x5 across gets stuck.

Thanks,

John

[Andy Baker (KSC)]

Lets say for instance a lifter hits 5x5x445 on a particular volume day, and then makes the call that there is no way he can even do one more workout with this type of weight. I would probably back him off by doing 5x5 ramped up to a top set of 5. Something like 365x5, 385x5, 405x5, 430x5, 450x5. Still lots of volume but allows a little offload to keep the program running. The other option is to just work up to a top set of 5, in this case 450x5, and then back off to like 425 and do 4x5.

Dynamic effort sets also work well if you do them right.

[Rob Israel]

I've heard others talk (and do) about 8 sets of 3 reps or 6 sets of 3 reps when 5x5 becomes too much. Have you ever programmed or done those Andy?

As an aside, personally, every time I try ascending sets like you mentioned above, I've enjoyed it-- whether it's doubles, singles, triples or fives. I like ramping sets: there's something satisfying about them and they feel less like a grind (work) and more like an accomplishment. Maybe that's just my psychological make-up.

[John Petrizzo]

Thanks for the reply. I look forward to implementing both of those techniques as I progress through the TM.

[Andy Baker (KSC)]

I've heard others talk (and do) about 8 sets of 3 reps or 6 sets of 3 reps when 5x5 becomes too much. Have you ever programmed or done those Andy?

As an aside, personally, every time I try ascending sets like you mentioned above, I've enjoyed it-- whether it's doubles, singles, triples or fives. I like ramping sets: there's something satisfying about them and they feel less like a grind (work) and more like an accomplishment. Maybe that's just my psychological make-up.

I don't use alot of volume triples in my programming, but I know others do and have had success with them. Ramping sets are certainly easier than sets across and it makes for a shorter workout. At some point though, you are kinda wasting energy with that 4th set (which is usually kinda hard too). In fact, Bill Starr recommended in his book that if set 4 was gonna be a bitch of a set, that you just skip it, do the weight scheduled for your fifth set, and then do your fourth set as a back off to keep from wasting energy.

[Rob Israel]

Thanks for sharing that tidbit about Starr, makes sense.