5x5 Warm-Up Sets?

_lyndseybrooke_

I've been doing SL 5x5 for going on three weeks now, and it's just now started to get intense. I haven't done any warm up sets as of yet because everything felt like a warm up. Now I'm up to:

Squats - 80 lbs.
Bench - 60 lbs. (still pretty easy)
Rows - 60 lbs. (still pretty easy)
OHP - 55 lbs. (OHP = bane of my existence)
Deadlift - 110 lbs.

Yes, I'm a wimp.

I figure now is the time to start doing warm up sets if they're necessary. I do a 10-minute cardio warm up (20 30-second intervals that range from VERY mild stretching with no long holds and cardio movements like jumping jacks, butt kickers, high knees, burpees, etc) to get a good sweat going, then I do the 5x5 routine, and then a 7-minute cool down and stretch.

So, how many warm up sets should I do? And how do I know what weight to use? Should I just use the bar on everything for now? Since I'm only 5 lb above the bar on my OHP, should I do warm up sets at all on those? I don't have to wait 1-3 minutes between warm up sets, do I?

I'm lost. Any help would be great.

SezxyStef

My warm up period is as follows:

1. Stretches for injury to groin
2. Squat 2x5 @ 65lbs, 2x5 @ 85lbs (I am currently squatting 130lbs from a deload)
3. Bench 2x5 @ empty bar, 2x5 @ 65lbs (currently at 115 for bench)
4. None for rows
5. OHP 2x5 @ empty bar (15lbs), 2x5 @ 35lbs (currently 85lb OHP)
6. DL 2x5 @ 90lbs currently lifting 180lbs on that.

Most will take a percentage of their lift and work their warm ups like that...I try to take empty bar, then half then add 20lbs.

patrickblo13

Personally I just do some foam rolling, stretching and 1x10 with the bar then depending on the lift a warm-up set with about 5 reps about 50% of my working set. With what you are lifting now just do 2 sets with the bar to get your muscles warmed up and focus on form correction.

Paco4gsc

Luckily, Mehdi, who made up 5x5, also made this guide for 5x5 warmup sets in response to a similar inquiry. http://stronglifts.com/5-rules-to-find-your-perfect-warm-up-weight/