4 day TM question

[mrsquatboy]

Hi, I've been running madcows 5x5 but I think the volume is way too low for me. So I'm interested in running the 4 day TM in PPST3. Specifically, version 2:
Monday: Bench (5x5), press (3x8), lying tricep extension (3x10-12)
Tuesday: Squat(5x5), Clean (5x3), Chins (3x10)
Thursday: Bench (5x1), Press (3-5RM), Dips (3x15)
Friday: Squat (5RM/5x1), Deadlift (5RM/1x2), BB Row (3x10)

My questions are:
1) How should I progress on the 3x8s and 3x10s? Should I just add weight when I can instead of following the strict 2.5kg increase each week, since they will be taxed after the primary exercises?
2) Are the dips interchangable for another chest press e.g. incline db press?
3) On the thursday press 3-5RM, once I hit 5 the RM, should I add weight and decrease the reps to 3, and then add reps until I'm at 5 again and repeat?

Thanks very much

[Mark Rippetoe]

Age/Height/Bodyweight/Lifts?

[mrsquatboy]

Age/Height/Bodyweight/Lifts?

23 y/o, 185lbs, height 6 ft, squat: 160kg (352lbs) x 5, deadlit: 200 kg (440lbs) x 5, OHP: 60kg (132lbs) x5, bench: 100kg (220lbs) x 5
I'm currently cutting down to 180lbs so that's where I aim to start.

[Mark Rippetoe]

Maybe you should just do the program.

[mrsquatboy]

Maybe you should just do the program.

Okay so those things I've alluded to don't matter in the grand scheme of things then or?... It's just that it is not made explicit (as far as I can tell) in PPST3.

[Ivan Stepic]

When cutting from 185 to 180 as 6', and attempting TM, those things don't matter in the grand scheme of things, yes.

https://startingstrength.com/article/a_clarification

But since you came here for a green light and not advice:
1. Let primary lifts drive your assistance lifts.
2. Dips will likely serve you better.
3. Do intensity days as written in PPST.

[Philbert]

23 y/o, 185lbs, height 6 ft, squat: 160kg (352lbs) x 5, deadlit: 200 kg (440lbs) x 5, OHP: 60kg (132lbs) x5, bench: 100kg (220lbs) x 5
I'm currently cutting down to 180lbs so that's where I aim to start.

What performance goal are you achieving by being so skinny? Once you answer that question for yourself you will be able to decide how to manage the necessary programming compromises.

[mrsquatboy]

What performance goal are you achieving by being so skinny? Once you answer that question for yourself you will be able to decide how to manage the necessary programming compromises.

I would not say that is skinny it is just not being fat. And it is better to be relatively lean when bulking due to better calorie partitioning

When cutting from 185 to 180 as 6', and attempting TM, those things don't matter in the grand scheme of things, yes.

https://startingstrength.com/article/a_clarification

But since you came here for a green light and not advice:
1. Let primary lifts drive your assistance lifts.
2. Dips will likely serve you better.
3. Do intensity days as written in PPST.

Thanks, although the intensity day in PPST does say 3-5 RM on the press for 4 day TM. Btw I am not cutting of TM, I'm going to start it after my cut

[Mark Rippetoe]

I would not say that is skinny it is just not being fat. And it is better to be relatively lean when bulking due to better calorie partitioning

You sound very well-informed. Proceed.

[mrsquatboy]

You sound very well-informed. Proceed.

lol but I mean surely it's not a good idea to start a bulk at 18% bodyfat