Texas Method Question

[JakeVohs]

Alright so on Monday, my first workout of the week, I'm doing 5 sets of 5 for Squats, Bench Press, and Power Cleans. For all of the 5 sets of 5 reps should I be doing as much weight as possible so that I can get 5 sets across with the same weight with good form or should I be doing less weight that makes me work but at the same time doesn't push me to my limits? Thanks for any advice.

[Mark Rippetoe]

The program starts out with less than RM weight, and proceeds upward in intensity as you get stronger. IOW, you're not doing 5RM x 5 at first, but as you get stronger the weights approach your maximum ability to handle 5RM across.