Sets and Reps

[Brandon Enos]

Started Starting Strength 4 weeks ago. Started with 3 sets of 5. However, noticed that in the first edition (note, all I have is the first edition; not the second or Practical Programming), you state that 5x5 is a proven method for squat, bench, and press. What would be recomended for exercises? I have a feeling, one really heavy set of five is more than enough for deads.

[Mark Rippetoe]

One set of heavy deadlifts is my specific recommendation. Read it again.

[Brandon Enos]

That post read better in my head....

And I reread it and I think I understand it better. Deadlift should be one set of five. Three sets of five for the squat, bench and press since five sets of five would probably be to much volume for most trainees, especially for the squat since you do it all three days. Finally, the power clean can go higher, maybe with five sets of three, keeping reps lower so form doesnt get sacrificed, but two extra sets to get the volume in.