3 Noob questions (Please answer!)

[Kelto10]

Hey, I started doing Starting Strength some weeks ago, it's going well. I just have 3 quick questions:

1. I'm doing rows instead of cleans, as I find it much easier. But should I do 3x5 or 5x3 (which I read a lot of places) and if so, why 5x3? Should I rest shorter in-between sets then?


2. I want to focus especially on my forearm and grip strength, because I need it for my sport. Currently I'm doing 3x11 towell pull ups 3 days a week, along with gripper work. I was planning to make a wrist roller, and maybe buy a "Wrist Lever hammer" for specific wrist training. I also thought of adding Hammer Curls to develop the brachioradialis.
Would this be overtraining or can I find a way to manage it?


3. If I were going to do Hammer Curls, is there a way to minimize biceps growth? This may sound weird, but I'm quite short and already have sort of "bulging" biceps - I don't really want them any bigger. Stronger, but not bigger. But I assume Hammer Curls are going to make them and my forearms bigger as long as I'm in a caloric surplus? What if I just keep the reps low and weight high?


Thanks so much for helping me out.

[SuffolkPunch]

Cleans are better for sport.

Just do deadlifts without alternating grip as much as possible, only switch to alternating grip when it starts to slip

Just don't do curls.

[TheBritishGuy]

This is the first post I have ever seen where somebody is complaining about their biceps growing too big...

[taha11]

never heard anyone wanting smaller biceps hahaha but no if you want to keep them "small" just do some tone work, set of 15-20

[cassas00]

1. Rows are fine. Cleans usually require some form of coaching so stick with rows. I'd go with 3x5. It's only 5x3 for cleans because they are pretty taxing unlike rows.

2. Another way is training with a thick bar or those rubber thick grips you can carry around with you and stick on any bar. fat gripz or similar. Farmer's walks are also good and bar hangs. Shouldn't interfere with your workout if done at the end. Normal bar work will improve grip too anyway.

3. Just drop the curls. There's are plenty of other forearm/grip exercises so leave them out. Beginner SS doesn't involve direct arm work anyway. Even if you use a low rep range they will still grow, assuming you're in a calorie surplus. Using a high rep range won't grow them but that defeat the object of strength training and will be too light to improve your grip.