Thanks benny boy, 20kg increase is amazing. I'm starting a the Uni gym in 2 weeks so going straight into 5x5 then. I currently train at cinderhill gym proper old school gym with a lot of strong people. You train in notts?
Just thinking about it a bit more and I would have neve started training if it wasn't for Gordy and ocuk. Crazy. I'll update as I go along.
Out of intrest benny. How did you time your rest when doing GVT? I really think I'd lack the concentration for GVT.
Yeah, the progression was fairly quick for me too. Starting at 90KG and finishing on 100KG for 5x5 normally going up 2.5kg every 2 weeks, or first few sets at least. Took 120KG down for a good clean rep, but stalled coming just off my chest with 122.5KG this was an attempt after a leg day. Haven't had more that 117.5KG up in a while though. My attitude to heavy training has changed somewhat due to GVT and now prefer to make lighter weight feel heavier! But it's always nice to push yourself and see what you are capable of!
I used to do my Bench 5x5 on a different day to my chest workout. I'd work chest on a Tuesday, then on a Saturday or Sunday have a quick warm up with 60 or 70KG for 10, then work my way up a few reps each weight upto the weight I was starting with for 5x5. Sometimes going over if I felt strong. I then deadlifted and did various other exercises. But yeah that's how I did it.
Nah I train in Lincoln where I'm at Uni, and then back in Hertfordshire when I'm not there.
My rest periods for GVT were a bit erratic. Some days I'd have a days rest inbetween. Sometimes I'd do 1 day on, 1 off, 2 on, 3 off. Due to how I was feeling that week and other more pressing engagements it wasn't perfect.
I never did legs or shoulders & arms the day after chest & back.
Seeing as chest & back hits most of your entire upper body anyway I always had a days rest between.
Theres a good few articles about the routine on T-Nation and on the rest of the internet. Lots of advanced and varied versions too.
1st day back from having finished AGVT and though I'd give a chest day a go... Well boy did it go well!
Went up to 140kg for 2 on my 5th set, then dropped back to 80 for 12 for a DS.
Up to 25kg dips on 5th set too for 8 reps.
Life is good!
AGVT is definitely the way forward - I'll be doing another one in a couple of months after I come back from holiday!
Good stuff! Congrats on finishing! & enjoy your holiday!
In a few months I'll have a few questions about the Advanced GVT for you, but until then no more GVT! WOOOO!