Back around 2002, when I was a young man of 38, I did the Russian Bear for about 14 weeks. At a bodyweight of ~220 lbs I worked up to deadlifting 315lbs for 20 sets of 5 and 12 sets of 5 dumbbell bench press w/ 100 lb dumbbells. The deadlifts and dumbbell bench presses were done on successive days, twice a week. Usually DL Monday, BP Tuesday and DL Thursday/BP Friday. Oh, I also ate any protein that wasn't nailed down. I took no measurements but angered my then wife because my XL shirts wouldn't fit anymore and I had to buy XXL!! She also remarked that my back "looked like a Christmas tree." Mind you, she was not familiar with that term being used by bodybuilders. I never did any backoff sets, just gripped and ripped. Also, I love lifting so much that it was a joy to get to do so many sets.
Bottom line: Russian Bear works and works quick!!