Madcow 5x5 Advanced - Cycle Question

[kidkurious]

I'm going through the spreadsheet for the advanced madcow 5x5 program.

I know the intermediate program is meant to extend for as many weeks as possible, but is the advanced version meant to be a 9 week cycle?

I know the volume phase can be extended, depending on the individual but is the deload/intensification phase supposed extend to as many weeks as possible, as long as you're making weekly PR's on the triples?

[stuward]

Yes, it's a 9 week schedule, 4 weeks of volume, 1 week deload and 4 weeks of intensification. The program suggests another deload week before starting over, so really it's a 10 week cycle but there are options available. http://stronglifts.com/madcow/5x5_Progr ... ed_5x5.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

If you're still able to make weekly PRs, you should probably still be on the intermediate program.

Note this comment:

2. After you have run this even once, do not rely on this spreadsheet. You will do infinitely better with even the tiniest bit of experience, a pencil, and your brain which is worth infinitely more than the fanciest of spreadsheets.

[kidkurious]

Thanks,

I've been on the intermediate program for 14 weeks now.

I've had to reset my MP and bench twice already, and I keep stalling at the same weight, no matter how far I reset the lifts.

Should I reduce volume to 3 reps per set?

[kidkurious]

Another question regarding the deload options.

Option 2 is a pure deload, and is described as weeks 5-6 or extended.

Does this mean as the volume decreases, the intensity increases every week (3x3)?

[Jungledoc]

Another question regarding the deload options.

Option 2 is a pure deload, and is described as weeks 5-6 or extended.

Does this mean as the volume decreases, the intensity increases every week (3x3)?

Either, or better yet, a combination.

[williamrose2]

Great work! I appreciated your effort and I'm so glad that you shared this to us. I will definitely look forward for your next post to learn more things from you.

[Oscar_Actuary]

Great work! I appreciated your effort and I'm so glad that you shared this to us. I will definitely look forward for your next post to learn more things from you.

Really you will?
That is awesome.

We look forward to hearing more from you too.

[KenDowns]

Great work! I appreciated your effort and I'm so glad that you shared this to us. I will definitely look forward for your next post to learn more things from you.

Ha. I get these comments on my blog, "Very insightful article, I look forward to more" followed by a link to a site promising impossible size increases to body parts that are not biceps or pects...