Originally Posted by
tadawdy
For anyone else reading, 5x5 is not a beginner's program...OP is mixing up the Starting Strength and 5x5 programs. 3x5 on squats, 3x/week is plenty for someone new to the program. 5x5 will lay you flat if you have never lifted before, which it sounds like OP has.
I agree bent-over rows place larger loads on the back than they're worth. Even TRX or other inverted rows load the low back less and activate the lats better.
YMMV with dips. I don't think they're a replacement for the bench press, and a lot of guys find they're even harder on their shoulders than bench pressing.
I disagree about 5x5 squats, and think they're fine for beginners. In many programs, the first two sets are the warmups, so you're only looking at 3 work sets. The moderate reps allow you to hang up the bar before form goes to crap. Any non-stupid lifting program should emphasis working up the weights gradually anyway.
Dumbbell bent-over rows are my preference because they don't tax the lower back as much, but plenty of lifters have used BB rows with great success.