5x5 workout problem

[sixPack_vJ]

I have currently been doing the Bill Starr 5x5 workout I need some advice on how to spread out my sets. I am progressing in all of the major exercises (squat, deadlift, BB row, incline) EXCEPT bench.

I am up to 175, and this is how I spread out the 5 sets of 5 reps:
135,145,155,165,175

With this plan, I was unable to put up 175 for 5.

However, I have seen on some websites that I should be increasing by 10-15% each set. Should it be something like this then: 115,130,145,160,175 ?

Thanks.

[sixPack_vJ]

Anyone?

[embrau]

You are currently using too much weight on your ramping sets. What you suggested instead is much better. You don't want to wear yourself out before getting to your main working set.

There is a spreadsheet on the Madcow site that lets you plug in your numbers and will give you the weights to use each week. I would post a link but don't have enough posts yet to do it. Just google Madcow 5x5 and it will be under the Sample Template at the bottom of the page.

[MrSH1FTY]

vicjg.com/aspx/madcowint.aspx#

sorry to hijack but can someone explain the assistance workouts? it just says 2 or 3 sets of whatever workout but specific # of reps or workload.

[MrNismo]

sixPack: embrau is right you are using too much weight on your ramping sets. Read this link and download the spreadsheet that embrau mentioned at the bottom of the page:
http://www.geocities.com/elitemadcow...Linear_5x5.htm

MrShifty: Same thing, download the spreadsheet above and it will tell you how many sets for the assistance moves. Nothing mentioned about reps anywhere I have seen -- I stick with 8-10 reps on the pullups/dips/biceps/tripeps moves and 15-25 on the hyperextensions and situps.