This is going to sound very vague, but it's going to depend on you.

I started SL when I started a cut. I was able to add weight nearly every workout and didn't stall as fast as I imagined.

Now that my weights are higher, I add weight when I feel like it. For instance, squats are strong for me but my form is crap. I only add weight to them once a week (on Monday) so I can work on form before they get too heavy. I add weight every couple of weeks to bench because it is one of my weaker lifts. I have dropped down on my OHP because i was actually doing a push-press. I haven't been able to add weight to it yet without sacrificing form. My deads have consistently had weight added to them because they are a strong lift for me.

So, with all that said. Play around with it. Try to hit your reps/sets, and if you do, then add weight. You may find that you progress pretty good once you get started.

You're welcome! Glad I could help

GreenIceFloes wrote: »

I like the idea of trial and error here. Guess I'll go according to the program to begin with, and when I stall, I'll play around with it.
Thanks!

I'm just starting a cut (not quite a 20% cut, probably less) after a slow, 6-month bulk (my first). I was (still am) wondering just how it's going to play out. I had a personal trainer for the first six months, now I'm on my own for my cut. My trainer never followed a specific program, other than the general lower-reps/higher-volume, progress in adding weights almost every week (or spend a workout or two working on full sets of reps); every day was a little different and while we concentrated on the big 5 lifts, we did a number of different accessories.

Anyway, what I realized with him--and what I'm sort of sticking to while on my own and on a cut--is in general, if it was a workout that was intended to get a new personal record, or to progress on actual volume, we'd generally do a warm up set of 5 reps/lower weight; then maybe 1 set of 3 reps at 10-20 pounds less than what we'd be aiming for; then one rep at a new, heavier weight (yay!); then maybe try for one more at the new weight; then a couple-three more sets at full reps/lower weight.

Other days we'd do full sets, full reps.

I'm continuing that on my cut. Go three times/week, hit the lifts I consider my Main 3 (squats, bench, overhead) and with those I'll switch around from pushing myself in a sort of pyramid to get a heavier load; or just do my 5x5 and get a good number of reps in. Then I do different types of lats (really, only, because I hate Pendlay or barbell rows...), almost always do some tricep accessory and probably one more lats accessory. Then other various accessories, i.e. hangs, box jumps, leg press, calf raises, dumbbell work, kettlebell deadlifts, whatever, I pick 1-2 of those. I'm not comfortable doing barbell deadlifts on my own yet, but I'll probably stick those in there a couple times a month as they're one of my favorite lifts and I'll probably just go for whatever weight I can do 5 reps at.

So what I've been finding out is that I'm still making gains on my cut. Actually quite well. I may hit a wall at some point, and if I do, I'll figure out what my best 5x5 weights will be and try to maintain some base level until fall, when I start bulk again.

TL:DR: As long as you do the main lifts, keep trying to progress by using a combination of 5x5 or some pyramid sets, and mix it up to find what works for you!

I'm doing IIFYM with a 20% fatloss cut, while doing SL. I did SL previously for a couple months and then took a few months off - getting back at it in January.

Admittedly, I'm starting to stall/deload now 4 months in. I don't do any accessory work. I bet you'll do well too since you've done SL before and have understanding of form. For lifts, I only go up 5lbs on DL (once I got close to my PR) and 1.25lbs on OHP, everything else is 5lbs.

I did have to juggle my macros more so I'm not dying on rest days - being on a cut and hangry crazy is the worst, so prepare for that.

My guess is they won't balk at you bringing in a set of fractional plates. I got a pair of 1.25 lbs., so I can go up in 2.5 lbs increments. Alternately, you could also request that the gym invest in a few sets.

My gym has a whole list of somewhat crazy rules but thankfully none of them are enforced. No cell phone use, no chalk, no outside equipment, no outside shoes (what?), etc.

Hrm, this is making me want to suggest bumpers to my gym. It is a women's gym, so I am sure they would get used..

Good idea. Those would have really helped.