"Stronglifts 5x5" by Mehdi

[Tnatious]

Does anyone use this routine? If so, any good gains? I like the simple logic behind this routine! Instead of having to keep track of "bodybuilding splits" this method uses 4 basic full body lifts!
oSQUATS
oBARBELL ROWS
oBENCH PRESS
o*ALTERNATING SQUATS WITH DEAD LIFTS*

The logic behind this routine as stated is basic!
More weight you lift=MORE MUSCLE!

If you haven't read about this-check it out!
http://stronglifts.com/secret-5x5-report/
Once i signed up for the info I was given a free phone app that appears to be very cool! Also, I was given a spreadsheet to show what to expect!

And again-if you have used this method please let me hear about it!

[Brett N]

I am on my 51st session of it as of today. So, I have been doing it for 17 weeks. I have made gains for sure but it leans more towards the beginner lifter. That doesn't mean I don't like it. Once you have plateaued on several of the lifts you will want to switch it to a 3X5 which is what they recommend so you can increase weight some more. After that there are several intermediate workouts but I am not there yet. One of them is called Madcow. http://stronglifts.com/madcow/5x5_Pr...Linear_5x5.htm

The app is awesome and the main reason why I haven't tried to switch to something else. The stronglifts format is very similar to the starting strength routine and if you have any questions on your form, I would recommend buying the starting strength book. It has helped me tweak my form to where I have it almost 100% dialed in. The app also automatically increases the weight on 5# increments (10# on deadlift) and when you are stegnate (sp?) on the same weight 3x in a row it will automatically drop it 10%. No writing involved or keeping track. It also has a history so you can see what weight you first plateaued on before breaking through. Very cool!

I don't have a lot to compare it to because I have done a lot of power lifting type workouts but it's simplicity is nice. A couple weeks ago I added doing pullups and dips/curls to the workout just because I wasn't feeling the added growth there.

I highly recommend stronglifts though, to make a long story short. I have the squat rack, good bar, bench and 395# of weights which was a good start for me.

Edit - Squats do not alternate, they are everyday. Routine is Squat, bench and row on day 1 and Squat, Press and deadlift on day 2. Very simple.

[Brazensol]

Don't know if I am using the exact same routine but I have been using 5x5 for several weeks now with very good results although I feel am getting near plateaus. I use it on bench press, squats, deadlifts, t-bar rows and skullcrushers. I was using it on barbell curls but had to back off due to tendenosis in my right forearm. I have increased either weight or reps or both every single session. But like I said it is starting to slow down and might be time to change things up a bit. Gonna start the 'Jacked Monkey Smash Rouine' by Baseline_9 after our move is complete.

My best results have been the bench press. I have gone from 185x5 for 5 sets to 230x5 for 5 sets. Sadly, on my last chest day, (last week) I jacked my left shoulder on my last set and now have to wait for it to heal. Otherwise, I was ready to move up to 235.

[ObviousDecoy]

I did Stronglifts with a friend for our first year of (serious) lifting. Made excellent gains and its fun to watch your number go up and up over time. Some people plateau or get bored faster than others but if you are diligent you should make excellent progress. Yes it tends to focus more on beginners but I've gone back to it a few times when I want to make some strength gains.

[Tnatious]

Thanks guys! Still haven't set the date as to when i will be back in the gym BUT its gonna be soon! Sorry to hear about your shoulder bro! And as far as tendinitis in the forearm/ elbow area I too went through that when I first started lifting! Those tendons, joints and muscle take so long to heal! Just take it easy bro and it WILL fade

[cj111]

I jacked my left shoulder

switch to DBs buddy!

[Brazensol]

switch to DBs buddy!

I think I just may have too!

[kronik420]

did this routine a while ago, gained strength, got up to 150kg for 3 reps on squats (can't remember other lifts)

missed the feeling of hypertrophy training.. so went back to that, and got sick for a couple weeks.. now back to where i began..

should go back to it and get my strength back... maybe next week..

[BIGTIMEPUSH]

Yeah I liked the 5x5 it got me past my first plateau ended up putting around 50 pounds more on max squat and around 70 for dead lifts... This was back in high school tho and haven't done since...