The 5×5 exercise program was popularised by the Austrian-American bodybuilding legend Arnold Schwarzenegger.
It serves as a confirmed coaching program for constructing muscle mass and power in bodybuilders, in addition to powerlifters to this present day!
The 5×5 exercise originated within the 1940’s. Arnold Schwarzenegger talks about it in his finest promoting e book ”The Encyclopedia of Trendy Bodybuilding.”
He says that he first realized in regards to the 5×5 exercise program from his bodybuilding idol Reg Park, who gained Mr. Britain 1949 and Mr. Universe 1951.
Over time it has turn out to be one of the used exercises for constructing power and muscle mass.
Each, skilled and novice bodybuilders and powerlifters all swear by it – and rightfully so! The 5×5 exercise is particularly designed to hit all the main muscle teams arduous, a number of instances per week.
In his e book The Training of a Bodybuilder (1977), Arnold Schwarzenegger stated this in regards to the 5×5 exercise program:
From the start I used to be a giant believer within the primary actions, as a result of that was Reg Park’s choice. He would stick with the essential workouts – bench presses, chin-ups, squats, rowing, barbell curls, wrist curls, pullovers, leg extensions, calf raises. These have been the actions that labored most instantly on all physique components. I used to be following his instance to the letter. And because it turned out, I may hardly have chosen extra properly. The essential workouts have been creating for me a rugged basis, a core of muscle I may later construct upon for a successful physique. Reg Park’s concept was that first it’s important to construct the mass after which chisel it all the way down to get the standard.
5×5 Exercise
Because the title suggests, the 5×5 exercise program includes doing 5 units of 5 repetitions on primary compound workouts, similar to bench press, barbell rows and squats, amongst others. This exercise is often achieved 3 instances per week, however there are a lot of completely different exercise variations the place coaching will be achieved roughly usually. The 5×5 program will be achieved as a full physique exercise or as a cut up exercise routine.
Can the 5×5 exercise be achieved by inexperienced persons? Completely. Nonetheless first, you have to just be sure you have realized correct type for all the huge compound workouts used on this exercise program. This may scale back the danger of sustaining an harm.
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The 5×5 exercise was created across the ideas of progressive overload. Which means that the train load adjustments as you progress. It’s important to progressively improve your weights, which can set off new muscle and power beneficial properties.
Progressive overload is completely described by the legend of an Historical Greek wrestler and Olympic victor known as Milo of Croton. He’s described as having near-superhuman power. In accordance with the legend, whereas coaching for the Olympic video games he would elevate a calf on his shoulder and carry it day-after-day. Because the calf grew over time, so did his power and muscle.

The lesson right here is that he began gentle and added extra weight regularly, which saved making him stronger all through his coaching.
5×5 Exercise Plan (Full Physique)
Lifting heavy weights is the cornerstone of the 5×5 exercise program, however just be sure you don’t go too heavy too early.
Throughout your first 2 weeks it’s endorsed that you simply begin with weights round 65% of your 1RM. This may enable your muscle mass to get accustomed to the load and scale back the danger of harm.
Day 1:
Bench Press (5 reps x 5 units @ 65% 1RM)
Barbell Rows (5 reps x 5 units @ 65% 1RM)
Squat (5 reps x 5 units @ 65% 1RM)
Day 3:
Weighted Dips (5 reps x 5 units @ 65% 1RM)
Weighted Chin-Ups (5 reps x 5 units @ 65% 1RM)
Deadlifts (5 reps x 5 units @ 65% 1RM)
Day 5:
Incline Bench Press (5 reps x 5 units @ 65% 1RM)
Entrance Squat (5 reps x 5 units @ 65% 1RM)
Barbell Rows (5 reps x 5 units @ 65% 1RM)
Chances are you’ll improve the load each 2 weeks by 5-10%.
5×5 Exercise Plan (Higher/Decrease Break up)
Alternatively, in case you choose to coach utilizing an higher/decrease physique cut up, do that 5×5 exercise program as an alternative:
Day 1:
Bench Press (5 reps x 5 units @ 65% 1RM)
Barbell rows (5 reps x 5 units @ 65% 1RM)
Day 3:
Squat (5 reps x 5 units @ 65% 1RM)
Stiff Leg Deadlift (5 reps x 5 units @ 65% 1RM)
Calf Increase (5 reps x 5 units @ 65% 1RM)
Day 5:
Incline Bench Press (5 reps x 5 units @ 65% 1RM)
Huge Grip Pull-Up (5 reps x 5 units @ 65% 1RM)
Bear in mind about progressive overload? Make certain to extend the weights each 2 weeks. You’ll be able to add 5-10% of weight to every train.
By the point you get to week 12 you have to be comfortably hitting new 1RM’s. Remember that diet is equally as necessary as coaching, if no more. So if you wish to hold gaining new muscle you have to up your calorie consumption – particularly your protein.
If you happen to discover that you’re battling growing your weight each 2 weeks, simply stick to the identical weight for an additional week!
Key factors:
- You’ve got implement progressive overload. Attempt to improve the weights by 5% each week or 10% each 2 weeks.
- Don’t begin with heavy weights within the first 2 weeks. You may be growing the load each 2 weeks, so that you wish to go away some room.
- Eat and relaxation effectively!
- It is best to de-load or take per week off while you begin feeling beat up. This could occur after 5 to eight weeks of coaching.
5×5 Exercise F.A.Q
The 5×5 exercise is a coaching program popularised by the legendary bodybuilder Arnold Schwarzenegger. It’s a confirmed coaching methodology for constructing muscle measurement and power in powerlifters, in addition to bodybuilders.
The 5×5 exercise designed to hit all the main muscle teams arduous, a number of instances per week. It’s an efficient exercise for constructing muscle measurement and power.
The 5×5 exercise has been utilized by legendary bodybuilders like Arnold Schwarzenegger and Reg Park to construct muscle mass and power. This exercise is constructed round primary compound workouts, similar to bench press, barbell rows and squats, which goal many muscle teams directly.
By doing the 5×5 exercise with progressive overload it is best to be capable of add 14-28kg (30-60lbs) to your compound lifts (bench press, squats, deadlift) after 12 weeks of coaching.

This text first appeared on GYMNASIUMPOST.com on 18th Might, 2020.