Supporting exercise questions..

[Somboa]

Hi all, I'm new here and have been doing the StrongLift 5x5 beginner workout for about 4 weeks now. I'm not exactly new to weightlifting but based on the requirement of needing to squat 1.5x my body weight, I decided to treat myself as a beginner.

So, anyways, my question is regarding the supporting exercises (push ups/dips & pull ups/chin ups).

I always thought the supporting exercises were to be 3xF but in browsing around, it looks like I can get more volume if I stop 1-2 reps short of failure in my first set. For example, here is my regular routine.

Dips (I prefer dips to push ups as I feel it's more of a compound movement... right?)

15 reps (30lbs in a backpack on my back)
11 reps (30lbs in a backpack on my back)
7 reps (30lbs in a backpack on my back)

Inverted Rows

12 reps (20lbs in a backpack on my chest)
10 reps (20lbs in a backpack on my chest)
8 reps (body weight only)

Pull Ups/Chin Ups

6 / 10 (body weight)
4 / 6 (body weight)
1 / 3 (body weight) + I do about 3-4 negatives

So my questions are:

1. For the dips and inverted rows, should I now switch to a 3x5 routine where I just add on weight and only do 3 sets of 5 reps?

2. For the pull ups/chin ups, should I "hold back" on the first set to get a few more reps in the 3rd set and if I ever hit 15 reps for my first set, should I then also switch to a 3x5 routine like above?

Thanks!

Just as an FYI, here are my current stats (not really max, just working my way up... but probably about 90% max as it's no longer as "easy" to add on weights). I know, my squats is disproportionate.

Squats = 165lbs (5x5)
Bench = 165lbs (5x5)
Overhead = 110lbs (5x5)
Deadlift = 215lbs (2x5) - Program only calls for one set, I like to do 2. Is this okay or stick with 1?

[canoeguide]

New here myself, first post actually...

I'd like to bump the question regarding doing more than one set of deadlifts... what are the opinions on doing two sets?

Personally I've been sticking in an extra set of deadlifts as I've only been at this for a month and the weight is still relatively light. Most importantly I feel the need to toss in the extra set to give me more opportunity to work on form, especially considering that form naturally varies more from set to set than from rep to rep (setup and grip obviously have a lot to do with this). In the beginning the break between sets is a good opportunity to evaluate and adjust what you just did and think about what your focus on the next set will be.

[mjh]

OP:
1. I'd say go to 3x5. If you're after strength gains, go for the lower reps with heavier weights.
2. I'd say this is a matter of personal preference, but to me it makes sense to go for a greater volume over the sets, rather than wipe yourself out on the first, so doing what you say sounds good.

Deadlifts: the consensus seems to be that an extra set with the lighter weights isn't a bad idea, but once you're working closer to your max you don't want to push it, and are better off sticking to one set.