Mark Rippetoe’s Infamous Routine

Weight training legend Mark Rippetoe’s book “Starting Strength” outlines this routine. I have not (yet) read it, unfortunately. My reverence for it comes through aggregation of citing through multiple sources & media.

Phase 1 - Beginners

3x a week. ABA → BAB.

Day A

  1. Bench Press 3x5
  2. Squat 3x5
  3. Deadlift 1x5

Day B

  1. Bench Press 3x5
  2. Overhead Press 3x5
  3. Deadlift 1x5

Do this literally as you’re starting to develop your strength. It’s a beginner’s routine.

Phase 2 - Novice

Same as Beginners routine, except Day B will end with Power Clean 5x3 instead of Deadlifts 1x5.

Phase 3 - “Advanced Novice”

Same as Beginners routine, except Day A will end with either Deadlift or Power Clean (alternate between “Day A” workouts). And Day B will end with Chin-ups.


Source