Starting 5x5 and a bit confused..

[star4822]

Bear with me, because I'm brand new to the 5x5 program and am just trying to figure out how to set it up for myself.

I am following this set up-http://www.geocities.com/elitemadcow...Linear_5x5.htm (as I know there a few different versions of the 5x5)

I'm just getting a bit confused with how to set up the proper weights so I'm not starting off with too much weight and screwing up my progress.

So basically, as I understand it, I'm supposed to take my 5RM and work up to it within the 4 weeks. Looking at the Excel file that is made for an example, I see he doesn't ramp up to his 5RM until the 4th week. Why is that?

So if my 5RM for squats is 100lbs, what weight would I work up to for weeks 1-3(on the final set), if I'm only supposed to actually work up to 100lbs on the 4th week?

He says to make 2.5% increases in weight, but I can't really do this, as my gym only has 2.5lb plates(which would mean adding 5lbs and no less).

I know this is supposed to be a fairly simple program to follow, but for some reason, I'm just finding it super confusing to set up for myself. I've read tons of stickies and links on the program.
On one of them, it says to use a set weight for 5x5 on Monday, Wednesday back off on the weight and Friday work up to a new 5x5.
However, the link I posted above describes a different way of doing it.
Which way should it be?? What would make the most sense for me to follow?
Apologies if this is confusing and all over the place..it's midnight and I'm not exactly thinking straight.

If somebody could explain this in 'dummy' terms and show me how to set up the certain weights to use on each day for week 1, week 2, week 3, etc..that would be really appreciated!

[PowerManDL]

You'd probably do better on a simple linear progression with a 100lb squat, honestly.

However since I know you're going to be headstrong and insist on doing this version, if 100x5 is your 5RM, then you'll want to aim for (at least) a 105 squat by week three or four. So clock the weight back to 90-95 and add 5 lbs a week. After you hit that weight, cycle the weights back another 10-15 lbs and do it again, aiming for (at least) 110 by week 3-4.

You can see why this is going to be sub-optimal for you if adding weight each session is still practical. You make a PR every session, or you make a PR once a month.

The Monday 5x5 session should be moderately difficult, but if you're focusing on the ramping session on Friday just pick a weight that's hard to get through, but doesn't totally wipe you out. 80-85 will probably be around the right spot for you, though it could potentially be heavier.

[star4822]

I wasn't going to "insist" on doing this version..this just happened to be the version I came across, and wasn't understanding it all that well.

If you have a suggestion for something that would work better, I'm all for it.

[OldGuy]

Originally Posted by star4822

If you have a suggestion for something that would work better, I'm all for it.

I think he did that.

[star4822]

Sorry; I thought he meant there was a different version of the 5x5 I'd be better off doing(than the one I posted).