BBB Same Lift vs FSL

Hi everyone.

I’m trying to plan out my next few cycles of 531 and was hoping for a little insight.

I’m currently doing BBB version 2 (using the alternate lift for the BBB sets) @50% and then @60% will be next.

When reading through the Beyond book of the different BBB versions/variations. There is a BBB variation that uses your first set % for the 5x10 sets. It specifically calls out to only do this for version 1 (same lift for BBB) and NOT to use version 2 (alternate lift for BBB). There is also a BBB progression that goes from BBB 5x10@50%, to BBB 5x5@80%, to 5x3@90%, and then to 5x1@TM that I wanted to try.

Questions:

  1. Do you know why you are not supposed to use version 2 (alternate lift) with the BBB using your first set %? Just wanting to understand. The only thing I can think of is that the BBB % would be too high to switch to a different lift without warming up that lift first (which would be too much).

  2. Since I am currently using version 2 (alternate lift), if I want to do the progression above, can I do this with the alternate lift or should I switch to the version 1 (same lift)?

  3. Version 1 (same lift) vs version 2 (alternate lift). I know it is the same volume, but I’ve read on this website that doing a second day of the same lift will produce better gains even if the overall volume is the same. Do you think I would be losing some benefit?

I’d appreciate any advice or insight. Thanks in advance.

I felt like I needed a week between 5x10 fsl. Variation 1 was tough, but a lot of fun. It’s been my favorite template so far, both mentally and physically.

The workouts are not quick.

My grocery bill however was negatively affected.

  1. Yes
  2. Same lift
  3. What website? Who was the source? You best know these answers before you believe the many who give advice.

Thanks man.

I just started BBB 50% and it’s tough, but I really like it. I’m going to see if I can work my way up to BBB FSL. I need to try to push myself very hard for a few months and then back off to something a little easier like FSL 3x5 or 5x5. I want to see how my body responds to the extra work.

Thanks for the response, good luck!

Hi Jim, thanks for the responses. I could have sworn that I read it in an article here on tnation, but honestly, I’ve read so many articles, it might have been another site. I’ll see if I can find it again, but it sounds like it is not something I should be worrying about.

Thanks again for the feedback. Much appreciated.

[quote]nucknfutz wrote:
Thanks man.

I just started BBB 50% and it’s tough, but I really like it. I’m going to see if I can work my way up to BBB FSL. I need to try to push myself very hard for a few months and then back off to something a little easier like FSL 3x5 or 5x5. I want to see how my body responds to the extra work.

Thanks for the response, good luck!

[/quote]

This is simple - 3-6 weeks of base phase followed by 3-6 weeks of harder work.

can you point me to this page please were it says this. I don’t see any mention fsl.

im doing bbb 5x5@80%v artion after doing the 5x10 @ 50%. where do you see and why don’t I understand this mentioning in the book??? where is this thing. unbelievable.

[quote]bigtony200 wrote:
can you point me to this page please were it says this. I don’t see any mention fsl.

im doing bbb 5x5@80%v artion after doing the 5x10 @ 50%. where do you see and why don’t I understand this mentioning in the book??? where is this thing. unbelievable.[/quote]

Dude, chill. No book holds all knowledge and knowledge is not static. Things evolve. The principles are solid and the things that Jim talks about now are in the book but there are new ways of applying the principles.

That doesn’t mean you’re doing anything wrong or are doing something less than “optimal”.

While you’re getting stronger, keep going, if it’s working for you, what’s the issue? When you get stuck, ask for help.

thanks tsantos :slight_smile: just was confused that someone used the phrase bbb 5x5 and with fsl. now I understand and saw that they were talking about bbb with different percentages than the 5x5@80 %

they are using the 65,70,75 to do bbb with. I was like there is no way I would do this with the 80 or 90% lol.

just a misunderstanding. you know I appreciate you and jim wendler for everything brother :slight_smile: thanks for responding.

[quote]bigtony200 wrote:
thanks tsantos :slight_smile: just was confused that someone used the phrase bbb 5x5 and with fsl. now I understand and saw that they were talking about bbb with different percentages than the 5x5@80 %

they are using the 65,70,75 to do bbb with. I was like there is no way I would do this with the 80 or 90% lol.

just a misunderstanding. you know I appreciate you and jim wendler for everything brother :slight_smile: thanks for responding.[/quote]

Stay big, Tony.

[quote]Jim Wendler wrote:

  1. Yes
  2. Same lift
  3. What website? Who was the source? You best know these answers before you believe the many who give advice. [/quote]

Jim, could the 5x5, 5x3, 5x1 progressive BBB using alternate lifts be considered if we take the time to do a bit of a warm up for the muscle groups? I’m doing regular BBB same lift on DL and squat but on bench and press day, I do the opposite lift.

[quote]cbroadd wrote:

[quote]Jim Wendler wrote:

  1. Yes
  2. Same lift
  3. What website? Who was the source? You best know these answers before you believe the many who give advice. [/quote]

Jim, could the 5x5, 5x3, 5x1 progressive BBB using alternate lifts be considered if we take the time to do a bit of a warm up for the muscle groups? I’m doing regular BBB same lift on DL and squat but on bench and press day, I do the opposite lift.[/quote]

You can do whatever you want. I made my suggestion very clear.