PTTP - Russian 5,3,2 versus 2 x 5

[LoneRider]

I've heard of the Russian 5,3,2 version of PTTP on this thread here and am curious is there's an advantage to a 'sets across' version of PTTP versus the 10% reduction method of the 2 x 5 PTTP as published in the book.

I'm curious as my unit has mandatory physical fitness training about 5 days a week (thankfully students can lead PT amongst themselves), so I've hit on the Easy Strength alternating 2 week blocks between PTTP and RKC Program Minimum.

Having done PTTP before (raising my deadlift over six months from 380 lbs to 400 lbs (as of this week)) via the 2 x 5, I became intrigued by the 5,3,2 sets across scheme of the Russian version of the book.

My question is thus: Does the 5,3,2 sets across method offer any particular advantage over the 2 x 5?

 

[faizalenu]

I've heard of the Russian 5,3,2 version of PTTP on this thread here and am curious is there's an advantage to a 'sets across' version of PTTP versus the 10% reduction method of the 2 x 5 PTTP as published in the book.

I'm curious as my unit has mandatory physical fitness training about 5 days a week (thankfully students can lead PT amongst themselves), so I've hit on the Easy Strength alternating 2 week blocks between PTTP and RKC Program Minimum.

Having done PTTP before (raising my deadlift over six months from 380 lbs to 400 lbs (as of this week)) via the 2 x 5, I became intrigued by the 5,3,2 sets across scheme of the Russian version of the book.

My question is thus: Does the 5,3,2 sets across method offer any particular advantage over the 2 x 5?

Yes, the advantage is that you don't have to change the weight. It is not better, or worse in terms of training benefit, just different.
\

 

[JasonL.Ac.]

What Faizal said. They have a slightly different feel, so try both, and go with whichever you prefer. Or, you could do one version for a while, and when it starts to plateau, back off a bit and do the other version; another example of "same but different". Personally, I like 5,3,2 and mostly use that, but they both have their place.

 

[LoneRider]

What Faizal said. They have a slightly different feel, so try both, and go with whichever you prefer. Or, you could do one version for a while, and when it starts to plateau, back off a bit and do the other version; another example of "same but different". Personally, I like 5,3,2 and mostly use that, but they both have their place.

Sounds good, Jason, I'll go do 5,3,2 seeing that I've done 2 x 5 straight up since I started in January.

Now for the type of press I'm torn between bench or military press as I've found both to be very good lifts. I've thought of an A/B alternating (i.e. one workout doing bench and the other doing military press or even doing a military press/deadlift two week block then my 2 week RKC block then a bench press/deadlift 2 week block). Any recommendations for alternating bench press and military press for my two week blocks?

 

[Chris Hansen]

Any recommendations for alternating bench press and military press for my two week blocks?

I asked a similar question a few years ago and this was Pavel's reply.

Comrade Chris, you can MP on one day and BP on the other. If we were talking radically different drills from the standpoint of motor abilities (e.g.MP vs. Jerk), then you’d be better off rotating.

 

[LoneRider]

Thanks Chris.

 

[JasonL.Ac.]

I asked a similar question a few years ago and this was Pavel's reply.

Well, I would have said the opposite, but I'm certainly not going to disagree with Pavel! If you get a chance, update us with your progress after you've had a chance. I like the idea of eventually alternating a 2 week barbell block with a 2 week kettlebell block, haven't tried it yet though. I believe it was also recommended in the original RKC book...

 

[LoneRider]

Well, I would have said the opposite, but I'm certainly not going to disagree with Pavel! If you get a chance, update us with your progress after you've had a chance. I like the idea of eventually alternating a 2 week barbell block with a 2 week kettlebell block, haven't tried it yet though. I believe it was also recommended in the original RKC book...

I saw it in Dan John's easy strength for the Quadrant III Athlete and figured I'd use it should I encounter mandatory PT again.

 

[md corral]

I asked a similar question a few years ago and this was Pavel's reply.

Comrade Chris, you can MP on one day and BP on the other. If we were talking radically different drills from the standpoint of motor abilities (e.g.MP vs. Jerk), then you’d be better off rotating.​

Nice tidbit Chris! Thanks for adding. I'd not seen that before.

I like 5,3,2 simply because I'm lazy and like not changing the weights and like not doing the math. But it does add a little more time to the workout because there is an extra rest period and extra set.

I've recently been working side presses (basically one arm military press) and have just done 2 sets of 5 with the same weight. Mostly because I'm super lazy and this rep scheme seems to work for me for side presses since the weights I am using are very light.

 

[RJ79]

I didn't read this whole thread so if this doesn't make sense in the context I apologize. You could use the 5,3,2 then transition to 3x3. or use the 5,3,2 for awhile then use 3x3. I have found 3x3 to be pretty beneficial.

 

[BillLumbergRKC]

2x5, 532, 3x3, 3232, 432, 4x2, 6x1... majoring in the minors? just worry about the rule of 10. i like to get there differently every time to satisfy my training ADD (notice the doubles and singles drop to 8 and 6)

 

[CWheeler]

Why not use Right of Passage instead of Program Minimum?
That way you can dedicate BP to PttP and MP to RoP cycle...

 

[LoneRider]

CWheeler, I'll probably move into RoP at some point, I'll take a couple blocks of PM just to start off.