@juancarlos You're right. I don't have intensity info here. In part because I don't know my max numbers, and I don't test often. And I'm a layperson, not a trainer, so I don't have 25 training clients to test it on to tell you what average would be.
I can tell you that I've been able to hit at least 1 rep C&P with my 32kg for a while (but maybe not before starting this protocol, I was just getting into 32kg TGUs when I had to stop S&S for my shoulder). But I'm expecting it will be a big leap to do even one set of 5 C&P with the 32kg. I'm willing to take it slow and stick with one set of that for longer (e.g. 8 weeks instead of 4). The step loading is taken straight from S&S 2.0, applied to this protocol.
I would say if you're concerned about intensity, start a little lower and allow yourself to progress faster. Then slow down when you think you're getting close. Far better than overexerting yourself in the beginning and burning out or hurting yourself.
And RE push-ups, my max reps is definitely higher than my pull-ups. But as I said in another comment, those are at then end of the workout, after 25 C&P per arm, and I do the push-ups every 30 seconds. So it's pretty much back-to-back. Very different than the pull-ups which are every 2 minutes, and I need every second of recovery. I do feel pretty near capacity on push-ups simply matching them to pull-ups, with the time windows considered.
If I'm going to channel Pavel, I'll say the gents should start with 16kg unless that's too much, and the ladies should start with 12kg. Increase in 4kg or 8kg increments, and space out your step loading as much as needed to master one weight before moving to the next. If you know you can start with more (and that's not your ego speaking), then start with more. For pull/push-ups, start 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 unless that's too much, then do less but think in terms of 5 sets. Even if the last couple sets are 0 and you'll add reps there once your capability allows. Again, if you can start with more, start with more.
