I've decided not to re-invent the wheel

[etothepii]

But it seems to be a full 24 workout plan that starts pretty light then increases your strength enough so that your 1RM becomes your 5RM.

Andy, I got this from the Madcow site (Misspelling not mine.)

Although given the chart and what I've said elsewhere on this page it should be obvious, I will clarify the point that this is not a 9 week program (I think some people have downloaded only the spreadsheet rather than reading since I figured 9 weeks of calculations was enough to get the idea - not much I can do about that).. Youu continue until it stops working.

So if making your 1 RM into your 5 RM in 24 workouts is your goal, cool. But it appears you can stick with the program longer, if your body lets you.

About the workload, you do loads that make me cringe!! If you can do it, fine. If your progress on the big lifts seems to slow down, then you could always adjust, right? Remember, the 3/week full body workouts in HST are primarily sub-max loads. In 5x5, after a point, they are all above max loads.

I'll be looking forward to future posts.

[.V.]

etothepi, yep I got that part too. I'm not using that spreadsheet though. I got one that's actually in use right now for a team. It IS longer, however I will keep my limitations in mind and always take a break when needed. I'm definitely in this for a lifetime of improvements, not to set records or even PRs. That's why I'm planning it for 8 weeks. If I can go longer without overtraining, or injuring myself then I will. If I can't then I'll take a break. I'll be starting kind of light too. At around 50%.