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I've been working a 5x5 barbell program, which has me squat 3 times a week, for the last year. I've never felt stronger, or faster in my life! (I'm 32). Exercis

by wespiser_2018 7y ago

I've been working a 5x5 barbell program, which has me squat 3 times a week, for the last year. I've never felt stronger, or faster in my life! (I'm 32). Exercise has had a very positive effect on my feeling of wellbeing, and I am glad to see that the big 5: bench press, shoulder press, row, squat, and deadlift, at least address the major sources of muscle weakness! I would strongly recommend anyone interested in lifting to try a program like StrongLifts, or one of the alternatives, by themselves or with the help of a trained professional!

k__ 7y ago
I did this too for a few years, somehow I only feel the DL and SQ in my lower back. My "core" seems pretty much unaffected.
goostavos 7y ago
Just as a minor complaint, "Stronglifts" is just Mark Rippetoe's intermediate program lifted directly from his Starting Strength book and shamelessly rebranded. If people are just getting into lifting, you can't do better than Starting Strength[0] for background info and mechanics on the main lifts. [0] https://www.amazon.com/Starting-Strength-Mark-Rippetoe-ebook/dp/B006XJR5ZA/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=starting+strength&qid=1558545534&s=gateway&sr=8-1 https://www.amazon.com/Starting-Strength-Mark-Rippetoe-ebook...
- 100kg 7y ago
  This is true, I agree. Even if you don't use the exact Starting Strength program (cleans can be intimidating for a novice), the info is good. I'd also like to add that I've tried GSLP and found it to be my personal favorite between these 3. More important than that, however, is just going to the gym consistently. Don't get too hung up on picking the "perfect" program.
- wespiser_2018 7y ago
  Yea, that's another great program for beginners!
- modeless 7y ago
  Starting Strength is good to have around for reference, but the nice thing about Stronglifts for me is the app. It's high quality and makes the program very easy to follow. https://stronglifts.com/apps/ https://stronglifts.com/apps/
  - sn9 7y ago
    Starting Strength also has an app, which includes access to the book and videos.
- CPLX 7y ago
  Definitely get the book, I did and it's useful -- but the value of the Stronglifts recommendation is the app. It's well made and stone cold simple and tells you exactly what to do. It's what I did when I started the sport/hobby and I would definitely recommend it.
  - julianlam 7y ago
    With regards to the app, I find that a lot of the good functionality was taken away when Medhi moved to a subscription model. Personal Training Coach is free (or premium w/ one-time fee), has UX like the StrongLifts app, and contains tons of exercise programs, not just SL/SS. I don't represent Personal Training Coach, am just a satisfied customer.
- blunte 7y ago
  "Rip" was my trainer 25 years ago, before he became internet famous. Great guy, great no-bs instruction. Anyone who wants to lift well should read the Starting Strength book.
blunte 7y ago
This plan should be everyone's plan until they have some very specific requirement. It's the most effective, most complete approach to balanced human strength (with the unexpected mental and energy benefits you mention).
- Mirioron 7y ago
  But it's difficult to always get right. Coaches aren't available to everyone.

k__ 7y ago

I did this too for a few years, somehow I only feel the DL and SQ in my lower back. My "core" seems pretty much unaffected.

goostavos 7y ago

Just as a minor complaint, "Stronglifts" is just Mark Rippetoe's intermediate program lifted directly from his Starting Strength book and shamelessly rebranded. If people are just getting into lifting, you can't do better than Starting Strength[0] for background info and mechanics on the main lifts. [0] https://www.amazon.com/Starting-Strength-Mark-Rippetoe-ebook/dp/B006XJR5ZA/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=starting+strength&qid=1558545534&s=gateway&sr=8-1 https://www.amazon.com/Starting-Strength-Mark-Rippetoe-ebook...

100kg 7y ago
This is true, I agree. Even if you don't use the exact Starting Strength program (cleans can be intimidating for a novice), the info is good. I'd also like to add that I've tried GSLP and found it to be my personal favorite between these 3. More important than that, however, is just going to the gym consistently. Don't get too hung up on picking the "perfect" program.
wespiser_2018 7y ago
Yea, that's another great program for beginners!
modeless 7y ago
Starting Strength is good to have around for reference, but the nice thing about Stronglifts for me is the app. It's high quality and makes the program very easy to follow. https://stronglifts.com/apps/ https://stronglifts.com/apps/
- sn9 7y ago
  Starting Strength also has an app, which includes access to the book and videos.
CPLX 7y ago
Definitely get the book, I did and it's useful -- but the value of the Stronglifts recommendation is the app. It's well made and stone cold simple and tells you exactly what to do. It's what I did when I started the sport/hobby and I would definitely recommend it.
- julianlam 7y ago
  With regards to the app, I find that a lot of the good functionality was taken away when Medhi moved to a subscription model. Personal Training Coach is free (or premium w/ one-time fee), has UX like the StrongLifts app, and contains tons of exercise programs, not just SL/SS. I don't represent Personal Training Coach, am just a satisfied customer.
blunte 7y ago
"Rip" was my trainer 25 years ago, before he became internet famous. Great guy, great no-bs instruction. Anyone who wants to lift well should read the Starting Strength book.

blunte 7y ago

This plan should be everyone's plan until they have some very specific requirement. It's the most effective, most complete approach to balanced human strength (with the unexpected mental and energy benefits you mention).

Mirioron 7y ago
But it's difficult to always get right. Coaches aren't available to everyone.