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For calisthenics (bodyweight exercises), going to near failure is the best way to develop muscle. If you start using weights then you don't want to go so close to failure often.

Weight a backpack...

Checking in to complain about a knee ache. Weird bcz I haven't lifted anything since last Monday. Shoulder pops too sometimes. Not lifting I have more problems than when lifting, lol

Shouldn't have much loss of strength, could just be that your energy feels lower because you reduced calories. How far did you cut calories?

For calisthenics, reps closer to failure are the most effective reps. 30-40 rep pushups isn't exactly a waste of time, but you could be more efficient by progressively weighting your pushups.

5...

Mainly depends on how you balance intensity and volume for each lift. Try upper-lower.

As a variation during a pivot or if your main movement, SSB, stalls.

Ramping to a peak set is fine, depending on the intensity of the peak set. RPE 9-10 every lift, every session wouldn't be wise.

5 at around 80%, then backoff 3x6 between 60-70%.

Those numbers...

Total work is more important than one hard set. The ramping sets will stimulate the muscle effectively depending on overall volume.

Madcow is ok for a late beginner or a very patient...

Change routines from a PPL to something with better fatigue management. Squats and DLs are pretty fatiguing if you're lifting close to your max all the time. But you want more than 1-2 times a week...

Deadlifts are hamstring/glute dominant. Quads are a much smaller part of that movement.

/thread

Post the vid to YouTube and then embed the link here.

Comp. Bench
117 x 3 @ 9
E1RM 131

Larsen
90 x 6, 6, 6, 6

Inverted Row
+20 x 10, 10, 10

Good work. How's this program playing out? Is it some variation of the Brazos?

We've got a squat thread if ya wanna log there too:

https://forum.bodybuilding.com/showthread.php?t=179566403

Squat Beltless
132 x 8, 8, 8

Walking Lunges, kettlebell, total reps
16kg x 16, 16, 12, 12, 12, 12, 10, 10 = 100

MSSGDL Beltless
130 x 5, 5, 5

Single Leg RDL, kettlebell, reps per side

+11,241 = 112,694

High bar back squat

Good work gentlemen. At 98,000 per week we'll hit 5 mil, assuming 51 weeks from when I started this thread.

Just want a full range of motion with a bit more challenge, nothing special about full ROM Spoto.

The variety is working well for now. Not sure how long I'll train this way but it's a nice break...

Biceps should be the last of your concerns, and definitely should not be a benchmark for your overall progress.

What's your complete program? Exercises, sets, reps, intensities, etc.
What's...

Do you like the routine? Does it keep you lifting some weight throughout the week?

There's nothing glaringly bad about that routine. It will maintain well enough if you just need a mental break...

What do you currently squat, bench, and deadlift? Those are usually the best benchmarks for strength training progress.

What's your current complete routine?

Barbell lifts are awesome, but BegGains' suggestion about kettlebells is probably better for your goals of general fitness and strength. KBs are compact, inexpensive, and work your body in various...