Mixing TM & SS principles

[aa7]

Hi,

If I finish linear progression with a max 3x5 squat of 180kg/400lb, but my bench press is only at 80kg/175lb and my press even lower, could I use the TM format with squats, deadlifts and cleans, but continue making 1kg jumps every workout on the bench press/press? Would this usually interfere with Wednesday recovery days too much? It seems that my bench press and press are relatively weak...

[skipbeat]

Are your bench and press stalling on linear progression? If not, keep doing SS with them. Many people on these boards switch to TM for squats and DL and continue day-to-day progression with the presses.

If I may ask, how did you develop this rather large disparity?

[aa7]

I think it's because I've been using dumbbells, but I'm not too sure. Someone was always on the gym bench press, always. Occassionally, when the bench was available, I wouldn't feel like making a change, so...

Dummbell BP progression went like so... 44(kg), 48, 52, 56, 60, 60, 64, 64, 68, 68, 68, 72, 72, 72, 76, 76, 76, 72, 76, 80, 72, 80, 81 (BB bench press).

When I'd move up a weight, the first time would usually involve missed reps or just a single set of 5, then back to the previous set of dumbbells. Or something else.

Edit: I don't think I'm close to plateauing, no. Would a 3x5x100kg/220lb bench press be more in sync with my squat?

[skipbeat]

Well, you're a special case because you're using dumbbells. If you're not close to plateauing, I wouldn't go to a slower progression, which would leave your presses in the dust forever.

220 bench with a 400 squat is much better than 175 bench, yes. I bench that and I squat 260.

Notice any benefits with the dumbbells?

[aa7]

I like how the dumbbells swing me back up when I finish each set, but that's about it. Although, I used to get some soreness in my elbows because of awkward positions caused by touching the DBs together, or bringing them too far below my chest. That problem seems to have gone now.

Thanks for the help, I'll be getting busy writing up a new program

[skipbeat]

No need to write up a new program, if you're not fully on TM yet, just do a volume-light-heavy for squats, deadlift on volume day, powerclean on heavy, and maybe hypers/GHR on light day.

5x5-2x5(or 3x3 front squats)-1x5

[aa7]

Did exactly that! I'll be doing chins/back extensions on light day. Thanks for everything