Volume question

[Treestoneface]

If i was squatting 225 for 5x5 and I switched to 3 sets of 5, will I not grow until my volume reaches the amount I was squatting at 225?
( 225x25=5,625)
Does that mean I won't grow until I'm squatting 3 sets of 5 at 375?
(375x15=5,625)

I'm currently squatting 275 for 3 sets of 5. Does " that was the most weight I've squatted yet" not count for anything until I hit that volume?
Am I thinking about this wrong?

[screamingjesus]

no, that's dumb

[Treestoneface]

want to explain what variable I am misunderstanding bud?

[screamingjesus]

Volume is important but it isn't the be-all-end-all.

[dlwoflmc]

Generally speaking, training volume does need to increase for our bodies to make adaptations (size and/or strength). However, that principle isn't infinite.....i.e. deloads, weight resets, tapers, etc. all play a part in making progress too. Assuming a few variables about why you're dropping from 5x5 to 3x5, you should see progress much sooner than your hypothetical scenario.

[pterry0404]

This answer is more complicated than just switching from 5x5 to 3x5.

Generally speaking, however, you're not going to get muscular growth by reducing your volume. Why not start with 275x5x3 then add a single rep each workout until you're doing a 5x5?

[arian11]

want to explain what variable I am misunderstanding bud?

Total workout volume
Total weekly volume
Total monthly volume
Total cycle volume
Total yearly volume
Frequency
Intensity
Average workout intensity
Average weekly intensity
Relative intensity

[Treestoneface]

Okay thanks everyone. I switched to 3x5 because I'm cutting slowly/ eating at maintenance. I only have enough about 6 months of lifting under my belt with enough calories/macros. Im slightly skinny fat but I'm noticing a recomposition effect eating at maitence. I'm still adding weight every workout doing sl 3x5. At what point should I deload?

Currently: weighing 207 at 6'3
Squat 275 3x5
Ohp 115 3x5 Missed the last rep today
Deadlift 330 5 reps
Bench 160 3x5
Row 160 3x5

[PLLover2017]

This doesn't seem like a powerlifting question? Are you trying to get stronger or gain muscle? Sounds like you just want to gain muscle mass in OP?

The only thing that matters is 1rm in powerlifting.

[Treestoneface]

This doesn't seem like a powerlifting question? Are you trying to get stronger or gain muscle? Sounds like you just want to gain muscle mass in OP?

The only thing that matters is 1rm in powerlifting.

I suppose you're right. I may have put it in the wrong forum but I do want to gain strength any mass that comes with it is welcome and inevitable correct?
I figured you guys would be best to ask but if someone has the power to move this thread to where it makes sense go for it

Maybe my question should have been- am i actually getting stronger if I'm lifting heavier with less sets than previously with lighter weight but more sets

[PLLover2017]

I suppose you're right. I may have put it in the wrong forum but I do want to gain strength any mass that comes with it is welcome and inevitable correct?
I figured you guys would be best to ask but if someone has the power to move this thread to where it makes sense go for it

Maybe my question should have been- am i actually getting stronger if I'm lifting heavier with less sets than previously with lighter weight but more sets

Yes it's possible to get stronger without gaining any muscle mass.

If you are stronger on a specific lift (in powerlifting terms) can only be tested by 1 rep max comparisons. It's possible to increase a rep max for a certain rep range for example but for your 1 rep max to reduce.

If you want to get stronger in different rep ranges (or a specific rep range) then you can only really know for sure if you do an all out set for a certain number of reps. 5x5s 3x5s is not rep max of anything. It obviously has to be an all out set in a certain rep range to be a rep max. But the true test of who is stronger at a certain lift is obviously 1rm in lifting sports.

[mdonnelly80]

I suppose you're right. I may have put it in the wrong forum but I do want to gain strength any mass that comes with it is welcome and inevitable correct?
I figured you guys would be best to ask but if someone has the power to move this thread to where it makes sense go for it

Maybe my question should have been- am i actually getting stronger if I'm lifting heavier with less sets than previously with lighter weight but more sets

Gaining muscle mass is a function of caloric intake, not training volume. You may be seeing a recomp. initially because you've just started training and you're eating maintenance calories. But, you'll need to be in a caloric surplus if you want to put on size.

Also, take a look at Prilepin's chart and a program based off of it if you want to get a better idea of what people are talking about in terms of training volume and the variables found within it.