5x5 or 3x8 or 3x(12, 8, 6)?

stevepax

I've been doing Stronglifts 5x5. I kinda feel like I'd like to reduce the number of sets I'm doing in order to have less rest periods between sets to cut down the time required to do the workout.

If it helps, I don't have really specific weight training goals - I just want to be healthier, and resistance training is part of that. Stronger is nice. I'm still eating at a deficit, so I'm not really going for huge muscles right now anyway. I like the idea of doing all the big compound lifts, and I definitely feel it working all my muscles when I'm doing squats, presses, rows, etc.

So, 5 sets of 5 reps all at the same weight? 3 sets of 8 reps all at the same weight? 3 sets of 12, 8, and 6 reps at increasing weights (like bench press 80, 100, 120 pounds for the three sets decreasing the reps each time)? Or does it really matter very much, as long as I'm basically lifting as heavy as I can and increasing weight as often as possible?

TR0berts

If you've been doing SL for a while, you're probably ready to go down to 3x5, like the manual says to do when you've stalled. Even if you haven't stalled, there's no reason you can't go to 3x5. After all, 3x5 is the template for Starting Strength.

jacksonpt

Doesn't matter too much, just so long as you're stressing the muscles sufficiently. I've read (forward that's worth) that the difference between doing 1 set to failure and a typical 5x5 is insignificant.

If you like boxed programs, maybe look into something like 5/3/1.