2 questions re reps and intensity

[JM3]

It's been awhile since I read the books- but dont recall seeing this specifically addressed.

1)In doing sets across (usually 5x5), I sometimes miss my last two reps of say, my third work set. At this point should I rest and complete my last two for 3 or 3 reps or call it a set and move on.

2) One thing Ive also noticed is a tendency to work one lift really heavy per workout while giving the other lifts more volume and less weight. I see this isnt in either SS or PP- is there a reason not to do this?

Im on a modified schedule now - 3 days back to back, building in a day of metcon centered workout to make up for no real rest between lifting. But will be on a 4 day split next month or so- at which point my workouts will look more like the program.
Also- recovering from a groin pull so still not back to the level I was (300) in April- enjoying linear progression so far even with all the met con built in.

looks like

Mon
squat 5x5 (250)
OH 5x5 (140)
cleans (95) - I have lousy form and sometimes use less just for practice.
met con 5 mins

Tues - ab work (wheel/ L sits etc)
kettle bell circuits
plyometrics or trail runs
chest press ( 145-150) - should press be before met con?

Weds Squat 3x5 (260-270)
push press 5x5 (150-155)
DL 5x5 255-265

So far so good until I get back to where I was- any advice?
My goal is non specific ( so shoot me) I just want to get to pulling and squatting as close to 400 as I can.

42/ 6'/195lb

[Mark Rippetoe]

I guess I'll just answer the two questions, since your program is so fucked up that I can't really comment on it.

1. If you miss the last 2 reps of your last work set, you didn't do the work sets successfully. You can finish the reps in a separate set if you want to, but it doesn't count toward the day's work if you don't do all the reps of the set of 5. You either went too fast between sets (most likely, given the rest of your workout), took too big a jump, or didn't get recovered from the previous work (likely as well).

2. A tendency for everybody to do this, or just you? The reason not to do it is that is doesn't work well in the context of weekly progress for all the lifts, and that's why we don't program our training this way.

[Roland Conde]

It seems like you should reread the books. Why have you chosen to program this particular way?? It doesn't make much sense, you have very little rest but are then focusing on strength with multiple heavy sets of 5.

@ monday
How many sets of cleans?

@ tues

I'm assuming this is a light bench for you, considering the press weight. Why here on this day?

@ wed

Why 3x5 squats at a heavier weight than monday? You haven't had nearly enough rest since monday to do something like that and have it serve a purpose. Same goes for press. 5 sets of deadlifts? That's far too many.


@ it all:
Based on the 5x5, the weight you're using and the content of your post it looks to me like you're past your novice stage and are somewhere (early?) in intermediate programming.

With that in mind, what exactly from the books has led you to think that a program such as the one you outlined would get you strength? Are those the only days of the week you are training? If so you should just spread it out more, get much more recovery. Like say, press monday, bench light wednesday and push-press friday.


Really, take a look at the books again.

[JLascek]

In other words, you aren't doing any kind of program from the book, and it would behoove you to do so.