5x5 Push/Pull/Legs

[White-Tiger]

I'm thinking of using a routine similar to this once I am finished my cutting phase.
Going to be a clean bulker, with the goal of adding maximal muscle mass.

DAY 1 – PULL

Deadlifts 5x5
Wide Grip Chins 5x5 (weighted)
Barbell Curls 5x5

DAY 2 – PUSH

Flat Barbell Bench Press 5x5
Military Press 5x5
Triceps Dips (weighted) 5x5 or Close Grip Bench Press (5x5)

DAY 3 – LEGS

Front Squats 5x5
Barbell Straiht Leg Deadlifts 5x5 (or Goodmornings 5x5)
Calf Raises (3x12)
Weighted Crunches or Weighted Hanging Leg Raises (3x12)

Will probably to slow fasted AM cardio 2-3x/week on off days to reduce fat gains.
I'll probably keep it 8-12 weeks, then switch the exercises around and continue for 8-12 weeks.

Was considering going to DC training after that period (still need to research it a lot).

What do you guys think of this routine?

[tiramisu]

Sounds a nice fun routine.

I like full squats or leg press a little better than front squats as it gives you the ability to move more weight/get overall stronger but you said you were going to switch up exercises so it doesn't matter.

Is this intended to be a linear 5x5? How are you programming the weight progressions?

[White-Tiger]

In terms of progression...pretty simple really.

Every set is intended to be extremely hard but doable. As soon as I'm able to complete the 5x5, I will up the weight by 5 lbs for the next week.

[tiramisu]

Straight linear :)

How are you setting your starting weight?

[White-Tiger]

Honestly? Guesstimation...

Although I've been doing lots of 6-8 rep range recently so I have a pretty decent idea of where I should be starting off on most of those lifts. Also, if I find a lift is way too easy in the first weeks, I may simply up the weight 10-15-20lbs until I get to a point where I can barely complete the 5x5 and go from there...

[tiramisu]

Have a look see at stronglifts site. He has both the linear and the 2 factor progression of the 5x5 really well mapped out.

I've got Starr's book "the strongest will survive" that maps out a really productive approach to using 5x5 over the long haul.

Another variation of 5x5 worth looking at is Rippetoe/Pendlay's Texas Method.

I am a big fan of it.

If you get bored and are looking for yet another variation.
Wendler's 5-3-1 extends the 5x5 concept very well and his Boring But Big variation isn't far off from the kind of exercise selection you are going with.

If DC starts getting dull for me I'll probably switch to 5-3-1 or 5x5 myself. I like the strength emphasis.

[White-Tiger]

Thanks for those, I'll look into them.

Of note though, I'm doing this from a BBing perspective. Going with 5x5 because I've had pretty neat result once before on this sort of routine but mainly trying to add mass...

[O-Train]

Looks like a good program. I like rowing motions over pullup/down motions but that's just a personal preference. It's possible you could do supinated pullups instead of wide grip then substitute a more compound exercise for the barbell curls. Maybe something like face pulls.

[guest]

are you planning on doing this 1on 1 off?