Couple of questions

[craig]

Hey guys

This is my first post, I have been thinking about trying out this program a go for a little while now. So anyway I’m looking to start the beginners 5x5 program in about 2 weeks, after I finish up on my current program, I have a few questions first though.

At the moment I'm squatting 3x8 on a bit less that 85kg, I’m not really sure how long I will be able to add 2.5kg a week for.. Should I still try to or maybe just add less weight or something?

Second question is involving the actual program. My favourite exercise is by far the deadlift and I don't think I can go by with only 1 set a week, I was thinking about using this routine instead.

Workout A
Squat 5x5
Bench Press 5x5
Barbell Row 5x5
Chin-ups 5x5

Workout B
Deadlift 5x5
Overhead Press 5x5
Dips 5x5
Pull-ups 5x5

And since in the FAQ it said that deadlifts and squats are so familiar I’m hoping it won’t matter too much. What do you guys think?

[Mouse]

Craig

Workout A	Workout B
Squat 5x5	Squat 5x5
Bench Press 5x5	Overhead Press 5x5
Barbell Row 5x5	Deadlift 5x5
Dips 3xF	Pull-ups/Chin-ups 3xF

 
 
I do similar to the above (my bold) - ie following the routine but do Deads 5x5 as well - like you I love them as well.
Don't see a problem as long as you're aware of the effect of the increased volume.
 
 

I’m not really sure how long I will be able to add 2.5kg a week for.. Should I still try to or maybe just add less weight or something?

 
The routine suggests adding 2.5kg per workout NOT per week!!!!!
 
Good luck

[Young Athlete]

The workout system you are using is based off of squating 3X a week so don't replace squats with deadlifts. Go for doing Deadlifts 5x5 if you would like on workout B but don't take out the squats. You will be abled to add 2.5kg per workout if you start light about 30% lighter then you 5X max or just start with the bar on every exercise and work your way up. You don't need to change the workout though really it has proven results If I were you I would just stick with the normal 5X5.

[Taz]

I love deadlifts too and who wouldn't? They're fun! But definitely don't substitute squats for deadlifts. Also, after doing squats, I find it hard to even do 1x5 deadlifts -- my legs are all shaky by that stage.

[ConradH]

In Starting Strength, Mark Rippetoe recommends against doing sets across on deadlifts, saying it is easy to overtrain and get beat up.  Keep the intensity level up and one serious work set is sufficient to maintain improvement.

[Mouse]

I agree Conrad, but............

Don't see a problem as long as you're aware of the effect of the increased volume.
 
 
As long as you are getting enough food and sleep to compensate and are aware  as above
 

[mutt]

Don't mess with the program, especially at first. You risk overtraining and injuring yourself. 1x5 deadlift is lots, and it feels like lots after doing squats 3x a week for a while.
\

[jdurando]

I second Mutt's advice - try and stick to the program, see how it works for you and then maybe make some changes after a while.

[Mehdi]

@Craig
Stick to the program. You'll get stronger as the weeks go by, so don't worry about the2.5kg increases.

@Mouse
Adding deadlifts works for a while. If you're not lifting against your maxes on Squats, sure 5x5 on deadlifts works. But those who have experienced heavy 5x5 on Squats (check Mutt's log for example), know that ending your workout with another 5x5 on deadlifts is hard.
ConradH is right: Rippetoe doesn't agree with training the deadlift for sets accross. Bill Starr even didn't train his deadlift at all: relied on squats & power cleans solely. If your Squat goes up, your deadlift will go up too, similar muscles. I like deadlifts too, but you often have to choose between what's fun and what's best.

[guni]

 
I have to agree on the Deadlift issue here.  Squatting 3 times a week already takes a toll as it is.  You'll be able to do it for a while, but when the kg on the bar start to go up it's gonna get tougher to recover and it might hurt your squats. 
But, hey, living and learning, give it a try and see what happens.  Training should be fun too, so if you like DL, do them.

[craig]

Thanks for all the replys guys!

Looks like ill just stick to the program for now and maybe mix it up a bit later.

Btw guni i defiantly agree, have to keep it fun and enjoyable otherwise it will become a chore.