What should I do if I can't complete 3x5?

[NoodleArms]

I recently started working out for the first time ever, and just finished my 6th workout.

I find I always do ok on the first set but I tire out on my second so it looks like 5/4/3 or 5/3/2 instead of 5/5/5. What is the correct course of action here:

1) Should I start with a lower weight right from the 1st set?

or

2) Should I reduce the weight on my 3rd set?

Today I was benching 135 lbs and was able to complete the 5 reps of the 1st set at 135 with proper form, but in my 2nd set could only do 4. So on my 3rd set I simply reduced it to 115 and then I was able to complete all 5 reps. Was that the wrong thing to do, should I have just started at 115? I have the same problem with my squat and overhead press. I don't have the problem on my deadlifts because I only do 1 set of those and never have a problem completing all 5 reps.

[bean counter]

How must rest are you taking between sets?

[NoodleArms]

about 2 minutes

[Darkroman]

Start at a lower weight on all your exercises. Get used to resting 5 minutes between each set. Soon you'll have to start resting 10 minutes between each set.

[Adam Skillin]

about 2 minutes

I'll be the first to suggest reading the book. It's really a good book. Answers a lot of these basic questions and will keep you from making such obvious mistakes as this.

[geje]

A book? A book about what? Who writes it?

It's called the bible, and it deals with magic. You are in it at times. Some old geezers.

[hollismb]

The First Three Questions

[NoodleArms]

Ok so I will increase my rest to 5 minutes, or even longer, and see if that helps. If I still can't finish 5/5/5/ with proper form then I will start with a lower weight until I can, but I won't reduce the weight on the 3rd set like I did last time.

I have read the book but forgot a lot of the info in it. I am dyslexic and can't absorb much info by reading a book. I simply forget what I read if I try to take in too much at once. I find it easiest to remember stuff by reading short, to the point articles, like the one just posted above, which was helpful, thanks for posting it.

[Chris McCarthy]

It's interesting that the advice from some quarters on here is always "read the book" when surely experience shows that "reading the book" isn't a very useful learning technique for a whole lot of people.

[Karl Schudt]

It's interesting that the advice from some quarters on here is always "read the book" when surely experience shows that "reading the book" isn't a very useful learning technique for a whole lot of people.

They can always hire a coach. Starting Strength Coaches Association We read the book so you don't have to.