Independent 5x5s from article

[JTC_MN]

I'm considering using the independent 5x5s as described in your 5x5 article. I would set it up on a 4-day upper/lower split for bench, squat, and press. (DLs would use a different set/rep scheme). In addition to the 5x5, I would do some 3x8 assistance stuff for the "swole factor". Example: 5x5 bench, 3x8 incline, 3x8 dips, 3x8 curls for an upper day. I wouldn't do more than 3-4 separate 3x8 exercises. My goal is to gain strength and gain muscle mass. Thoughts please Andy. Thanks!

[Andy Baker (KSC)]

It's fine. Just have to go by feel and not overdo it. Don't be afraid to bump reps up into the 10-15 range for some of the exercises if you are looking for growth. Bodybuilding has to be done by feel. You can't run a bodybuilding program off an excel spreadsheet like you can a strength program. You follow a loose template, but you are chasing numbers at the beginning of a workout and chasing the pump after that. It's subjective and varies workout to workout.