Optimal programming for supoptimal recovery

[mr55]

Hi Rip,

I realize this question is somewhat heretical, so I hope it doesn't enrage you too much. I think it is theoretically interesting and maybe worthy of discussion.

Let's say you have a hypothetical trainee who is doing the novice LP lifts as described but not really "DTFP" - likely not eating enough to recover and adapt to the stress produced in each workout, so he's stalling. Can the program be modified so that the trainee progresses faster than he would by grinding away attempting and failing 3x5 maxes, but slower than the true LP? Maybe biweekly jumps in the squat, with a light day in the middle?

[Mark Rippetoe]

You mean modified the way most people modify it? Sure. It done all the time. It's the norm, in fact.