5x5 question...

**capnkeeno** · 16-11-2011 08:33 PM

Hi all,

I've just skimmed through the stronglift 5x5 workout, as I've read several posts which mention it; is it really as effective as it says it is? I realise I could just try it myself and see but want to get some thoughts from others first before potentially wasting training time.

I currently do a four-day split (back/bis, shoulders, chest/tris and legs) with two sessions of HIIT. I've been doing this routine for the past six weeks after around four months out of the gym and am steady size and strength gains. This 5x5 routine raves about big results in less workout time though - is this the case from others' experience?

Cheers

**dowdy16** · 16-11-2011 09:21 PM

in a sentence. . . . ITS A BEAST.

there are a lot of journals on this forum with people doing sl 5x5 and seeing good gains, have a look for yourself

**tony4100** · 16-11-2011 10:12 PM

Give it 12 weeks and eat like a beast. Then let us know how you got on!

**Zeigler** · 16-11-2011 10:30 PM

3 lifts a session, compared to the possible 3 or 4 exercises x 3 or 4 sets x 8 or 10 reps.......its definitely the most efficient way to spend your time in the gym!

**Dolphinski** · 17-11-2011 11:01 AM

What you're doing now is a routine designed for advanced lifters that train heavy and need more time to recover, hence training each muscle group once a week. What works best for beginner and intermediate trainees is training each muscle group twice (or even 3 times) a week.

SL5x5 (and a lot of other routines) will tick these boxes for you and help you grow quicker but SL works so well because it's simple, allows constant progression and focusses on compound exercises only.

**capnkeeno** · 17-11-2011 09:10 PM

I'm all for growing quicker, so will definitely give it a go - thanks for the comments fellas!

**capnkeeno** · 18-11-2011 05:34 PM

One more question - more out of interest than anything. Did any of you guys that have done SL 5x5 perform any other exercises during a session, or did you just stick to the three per workout until you moved on?

**tony4100** · 18-11-2011 07:25 PM

I do 3 sets to failure of push ups (after bench) chins and pull ups (alternate each session after deadlifting).

Saying that I can do more push ups than chins or pull ups.

**Chiefboy** · 14-12-2011 04:10 PM

i started at just the 3 workouts just to perfect all techniques now I vary it depending on how I feel, bar curls and kettlebell work is a regular for me