Training 2 instead of 3 times a week

[rocko]

Mark:
I'm a novice trainee in my mid 30's. I have a very busy schedule and have very little time to exercise. My question is, can I train 2 times a week using your program (Monday: squats/bench press/deadlifts + accesory. Thursday: squats/press/barbell rows + accesory).
Will it be detrimental to my progress if I follow a 2 times a week routine instead of a 3 times a week routine? How can I make the most out of a 2 times a week routine?
Thanks in advance

[Mark Rippetoe]

It's fine with me. But it's not optimum. You optimize your results by doing the program exactly as it's written.

[Andy Baker (KSC)]

I have run the SS program dozens of times with clients who only train twice per week and it still works, just not nearly as fast making it less than optimal due to the fast progress that novices are capable of making. Actually I should clarify and say that the program I run is actually not SS since SS specifically calls for 3 times per week. A large portion of my clientele is older and not athletically inclined and so I generally don't include the powerclean right off the bat, also making my program not SS. The twice a week version I use looks like this:

Monday: Squats 3x5
Bench Press 3x5
Deadlift 3x5
Chins 3x5

Thursday : Squats 3x5
Press 3x5
Deadlift 3x5
Chins 3xfailure

[rocko]

Thanks for the reply Mark. You've made a believer out of me. I will make the effort and follow the plan as stated on your Practical Training book:
Day1:squats/bench pres(press)/chinups.
Day2:squats/press(bench press)/deadlifts.
Day3:squats/bench press(press)/pullups
Just one more question. In your book you recommend adding some ab work to the routine. You mention doing exercises that train your body isometrically. Could you give me some examples?
Once again, thanks for the advice and the books.

[Mark Rippetoe]

If you do a few situps and do some of your pullups in an "L" (hold your legs straight out in front of you) you'll get plenty of ab work.