Recommended literature

[ban0001]

In a post from Oct. 2007 you wrote that the use of sets of 12-15 is outside your "area of expertise." Is there any literature you would recommend that deals with higher rep ranges and/or hypertrophy?

[Mark Rippetoe]

I hear that Flex magazine deals with this quite well.

[Albert1]

First of all, I'm fairly new to this forum and your program Mark. I have SS and PP. I have read SS 3 times already and PP twice. Thank you for the great information.
As far as this post, please correct me if I'm wrong Mark, but according to what I have learned, one should not worry about hypertrophy until a solid strength base has been established. 3-5 reps work really well for most people for both strength and a considerable amount of muscle mass gains assuming proper diet and rest are in place. Once a respectable amount of strength has been built and the trainee has succesfully move passed the beginner stage and is well into the intermediate stage, he may be on the road to more specific goals, such as hypertrophy.
In my further research I have come across Jim Wendler's 5 3 1 program which is based on the same principles your programs are built. The type of periodization he prescribes goes hand in hand with what you suggest as a training protocol for a more advanced trainee. He includes assistance exercises for higher reps/sets, but makes strength the core of his program.
I would imagine Wendler's program would provide further hypertrophy without sacrificing strength and as such would be a good follow up for someone going in that direction.

[ban0001]

Rip, I'm afraid my original post may have made me sound like a skinny kid interested in one-arm cable curls. I don't remember off the top of my head if it is in PPST or in an interview, but I know you quoted the work of others (in a positive way) regarding hypertrophy research. I was just wondering if there was any literature you would recommend for a better understanding of the subject. I always like to have something to read between sets.

[Mark Rippetoe]

I don't remember dealing with any hypertrophy literature in any extensive way, because it is not my area of interest or expertise. PPST2's info on this subject has been updated.

[shizz702]

Super Squats is a good, fun read that deals exclusively with the 20 rep squat and the history of it. You might want to look into it.