The 5x5 programme - five sets of five reps on the major compound lifts - has been used by strength athletes for decades and remains one of the most effective approaches for building raw strength. The low rep range keeps the focus on heavy loading, which drives neural adaptations and increases the density and strength of muscle tissue. If you want to get strong without overcomplicating things, 5x5 is hard to beat.
A classic 5x5 programme uses two alternating workouts performed three times per week. Workout A includes the squat, bench press, and barbell row. Workout B includes the squat (every session), overhead press, and deadlift (typically 1x5). You squat every session because it's the king of lower body movements and frequency drives strength. Add 2.5kg to upper body lifts and 5kg to lower body lifts each session for as long as possible.
The programme works because of its simplicity and built-in progressive overload. Most people can run linear progression for 3-6 months before needing to switch to more complex programming. Common mistakes include starting too heavy (ego is the enemy of progress), skipping the squat because it's hard, and not eating enough to support the increased training demands. Trust the process, add weight consistently, and you'll be lifting numbers that shock your former self within six months.