I thought using the potential energy equation gave me a little credentials.
I also wrote a book about this topic. But I didnt include it in the comment.
looks like mkirklions responded and really he does 5 sets with increasing weight, then does his heaviest.
So it is more like the classic "pyramid" or "increased weight until near-exhaustion" sets, which have been around since forever...
Working up to a deadlift max doesn't take a lot of time, or a ton of sets. Like, 4-6 sets of 3-4 reps.
Longevity and injury-prevention is key to long-term gym vitality... but people don't usually appreciate this until they injure themselves somehow.
<40-something lifter, out...>
1 heavy deadlift set usually means 15 minutes of warmups.
You cannot do 5x5 deadlift sets once you are past 4 plates.
Deadlift warmups at 45lbs, 135lbs, 225lbs, 315lbs, 405lbs, then heavy set 435lbs.
Bench is 45lbs, 135lbs, 190lbs(or whatever my workout buddy does), then 235lbs for my heavy set.
The goal is to do 2-3 since that means its good form. I am for 1 heavy set rather than 1 heavy rep.
How many warm up sets do you do?