Originally Posted by
chrisd
Why the back offs on the bench ?
It's easier that way. I was doubtful that only three reps at maximum weight would be enough to take me forwards, but it seems to work. One set at maximum and two at a lesser weight, I deduct about ten percent or maybe a bit less depending how I'm feeling. So long as I don't choose too big an increment, I can do my three rep set and feel happy that the weight has gone up, the four rep set is more progress and the five rep set often feels sort of easy, maybe because I know I get a volume reduction next time.
Twice a week has allowed me to free up some energy for other stuff and leaves me feeling less burned. Day one of a three day week always felt better than the other two days. One on two off was better, but hard to schedule. the only downside is that I only train the press once a week and I suspect that it needs more, so I may try to do a press session with my home barbell.
I still think PPST is worth buying for the programming information. Apart from post novice, it gives insight into programming for other sports and allows you to consider altering the basic format to suit your own needs.
A lot of PPST is devoted to the Texas Method, it's popular, but the word 'gruelling' was enough to put me off. I figure that if I make progress a bit slower than I might have done, it's still progress.