Stronglifts vs P90x vs Crossfit vs ???

Ok so I am 2 weeks into stronglifts and I love doing it but I have some issues because I have nobody who can check my form and if somebody is already using the racks I don't have the time in my day to wait cause that pushes my workouts from under an hour to an hour and a half. (for example went yesterday evening and gym was super packed and just had to give up and do something else and went early this morning instead)

So I was just curious about all of the other programs out there and which ones would be a decent alternative. My main goal is losing weight which I am doing with a deficit, but I also want to put on a little muscle and keep doing my jogs 2 to 3 x a week. What are people's thoughts about other programs and should I try those or stick with Stronglifts

Replies

ew_david

Robbnva wrote: »

for example today doing dumbell rows my upper back was hurting when I was resting, and it still kind of sore now. When I google it I see results where it happened to somebody and and was told their form is probably wrong and gave suggestions on how to fix it but I can't tell if my form is bad or if the things I do to fix it are done properly.

It sounds like you have totally talked yourself out of lifting. Cool. Do P90X.

For reference: I rarely have had a lifting partner. I YouTubed all the lifts for form. Practiced mine in a mirror. There is a way to progress if you really want to, it just doesn't sound like you want to go that route.

Robbnva

I do go in the morning usually, yesterday was an exception cause of the weather but there are still people there and they all seem to use the rack. I had to get up at 4:30 today to make sure I get there before anyone

jacksonpt

Robbnva wrote: »

and yes I do have reasons for things. I don't want to live in a gym, I don't want to get injured, I don't want to stand around waiting forever, and I want to make sure I am doing it correctly and unfortunately I don't have many friends and none of them lift and trainers cost money and don't really feel comfortable interrupting a stranger at the gym doing their workout to critique my form and tbh I have absolutely no idea how I would videotape myself without a tripod or something.

Guess what - you're no different than 90% of us.

I don't want to live in a gym, so my workouts are typically 45 minutes, 3x week.
I don't want to get injured, either, so I do a lot of youtubing and started with light, managable weights until I felt reasonably good about my form. Now that my weight has gotten heavier, I try to film myself periodically to check - I just put my digital camera on a bench or on the floor and hit record - it doesn't have to be overly complicated.
I don't have any friends, period, never mind friends that lift. I'm not sure what having friends or not has to do with this.
Trainers aren't required. Sure, they can be nice sometimes, but certainly aren't required.

Robbnva

_dracarys_ wrote: »

Robbnva wrote: »

for example today doing dumbell rows my upper back was hurting when I was resting, and it still kind of sore now. When I google it I see results where it happened to somebody and and was told their form is probably wrong and gave suggestions on how to fix it but I can't tell if my form is bad or if the things I do to fix it are done properly.

It sounds like you have totally talked yourself out of lifting. Cool. Do P90X.

For reference: I rarely have had a lifting partner. I YouTubed all the lifts for form. Practiced mine in a mirror. There is a way to progress if you really want to, it just doesn't sound like you want to go that route.

no, I still like stronglifts and would prefer to do that as it seems to be really easy to follow but I have no idea if my form is crap and I don't know anyway to easily find out.

unknown

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disasterman

Agree with other posters about educating yourself by reading, watching videos, etc. for tips on form and different approaches.

For the specific problem of equipment availability, you can learn some alternative exercises to sub when you have to. My barbell squats are only at #150 right now so I can just grab some heavy dumbells and do squats in a pinch. That won't work all the muscles exactly as a barbell squat but it's OK for me sometimes if I don't feel like waiting or working in with someone - just as an example.

jacksonpt

_dracarys_ wrote: »

Robbnva wrote: »

for example today doing dumbell rows my upper back was hurting when I was resting, and it still kind of sore now. When I google it I see results where it happened to somebody and and was told their form is probably wrong and gave suggestions on how to fix it but I can't tell if my form is bad or if the things I do to fix it are done properly.

It sounds like you have totally talked yourself out of lifting. Cool. Do P90X.

For reference: I rarely have had a lifting partner. I YouTubed all the lifts for form. Practiced mine in a mirror. There is a way to progress if you really want to, it just doesn't sound like you want to go that route.

Agreed. There are lots of good vids on youtube... you just gotta take the time to work on the lifts before you get into heavier weights.

PRMinx

lishie_rebooted wrote: »

PRMinx wrote: »

I love CrossFit as it has helped me get very comfortable with weightlifting. But, as @lishie_rebooted said, your experience will vary depending on your CrossFit box, the trainers that develop the programming and the people who you are working out with. Case in point, I loved my CrossFit gym but they fired my trainer, so I am leaving to follow him because I don't the remaining trainers have the experience or interest to do as good of a job.

So, if you are interested in CrossFit, check out several gyms. Read the online reviews. Ask a lot of questions. Talk to the members. Do some due diligence. There should also be an onramping course.

Personally, two years in and I still love it. It got me off the treadmill and it put a barbell in my hands. It's the only work out that I've ever been able to stick to and that's enough for me!

@PRMinx, I was thinking of you and your situation when I made that comment hahaha

LOL.

It does really show how much trainers and personal relationships matter. I'm going from a 14,000 square foot box with amenities and a "Best of State" reputation to a 9,000 square foot box that is being painted this very moment.

dym123

If you're serious about lifting, please find a trainer to work with you on your form. Hopefully someone who also lifts. I had been lifting on my own for awhile watching youtube videos, got a session with a trainer and was able to get a lot of out it and noticed a big difference in my form.

Brolympus

Robbnva wrote: »

I do go in the morning usually, yesterday was an exception cause of the weather but there are still people there and they all seem to use the rack. I had to get up at 4:30 today to make sure I get there before anyone

Sounds like you might need to invest a different gym. I ended up paying about $20 more a month to go to a nicer gym, but the time I don't waste waiting around for racks to open (on top of all the other equipment my old gym didn't have) has more than paid for the extra $ per month.

As far as being a newb to form....we all were at some point. The key is to start light, get comfortable with the movements, and then, AND ONLY THEN, start to put more and more weight on.

I've never had a gym partner. Eventually you will get the form down dude, just keep at it. All good things take time!

Robbnva

allright i'll try and figure out a way to video my lifts. thanks guys and gals

jimmmer

Robbnva wrote: »

allright i'll try and figure out a way to video my lifts. thanks guys and gals

Got a smartphone? Prop it up nearby and video your sets with that.

Then compare and contrast with pukka material online (lofteren already mentioned good sources)

uconnwinsnc1

People over complicate things.

1) Learn the main lifts. Deadlift, bench press, overhead press, rows, and squats are primary lifts IMO. Educate yourself on them. Watch videos of noobs do them, watch videos of professionals do them. Watch a variety of videos teaching you how to do them.

2) Record yourself doing them with your phone. Share the video with us. We'll give you tips.

3) Refine your movements.

4) Find a program AFTER you learn all proper form and lifts.

5) Do program and commit to it.

6) After some time, determine if program is working for you. If it isn't working, go back to step 4/5

7) Get strong.

TheCherryMama

some times it just doesn't matter what you do... because its only 20% exercise, and 80% diet. lol. I would do it all just so your body won't adapt. You can also do crossfit style things anywhere. I take clients to a local school play ground and use their rings and stairs for a boot camp/ crossfit experience. The bonus is the slide when you're done with leg day.

Sam_I_Am77

TheCherryMama wrote: »

I would do it all just so your body won't adapt.

Why don't you want your body to adapt?

Robbnva

dym123 wrote: »

If you're serious about lifting, please find a trainer to work with you on your form. Hopefully someone who also lifts. I had been lifting on my own for awhile watching youtube videos, got a session with a trainer and was able to get a lot of out it and noticed a big difference in my form.

if I had unlimited funds I most certainly would do this.

dym123

Robbnva wrote: »

dym123 wrote: »

If you're serious about lifting, please find a trainer to work with you on your form. Hopefully someone who also lifts. I had been lifting on my own for awhile watching youtube videos, got a session with a trainer and was able to get a lot of out it and noticed a big difference in my form.

if I had unlimited funds I most certainly would do this.

I'll admit my training session was free, but you really only need one session. Go "gym shopping", most will offer it as an incentive, that's how I got my free session. Didn't even join the gym.

mymodernbabylon

There is an MFP Stronglifts group - it says it's for women but men are welcome. They will check your form and help you if you take video and post it. http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/group/4601-stronglifts-5x5-for-women

Robbnva

mymodernbabylon wrote: »

There is an MFP Stronglifts group - it says it's for women but men are welcome. They will check your form and help you if you take video and post it. http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/group/4601-stronglifts-5x5-for-women

that group looks way more active than the normal stronglift group on here. But I think it should probably be left for womens only

lishie_rebooted

Robbnva wrote: »

mymodernbabylon wrote: »

There is an MFP Stronglifts group - it says it's for women but men are welcome. They will check your form and help you if you take video and post it. http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/group/4601-stronglifts-5x5-for-women

that group looks way more active than the normal stronglift group on here. But I think it should probably be left for womens only

There are plenty of guys in the group.

You can also post a form check video in "Eat Train Progress"
http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/group/10118-eat-train-progress

lishie_rebooted

Sam_I_Am77 wrote: »

TheCherryMama wrote: »

I would do it all just so your body won't adapt.

Why don't you want your body to adapt?

because broscience

Robbnva

lishie_rebooted wrote: »

Sam_I_Am77 wrote: »

TheCherryMama wrote: »

I would do it all just so your body won't adapt.

Why don't you want your body to adapt?

because broscience

What's broscience

JoRocka

Robbnva wrote: »

lishie_rebooted wrote: »

Sam_I_Am77 wrote: »

TheCherryMama wrote: »

I would do it all just so your body won't adapt.

Why don't you want your body to adapt?

because broscience

What's broscience

Bro science is the science that says eaing after 10 PM makes you fat.

You can, eat at a deficit, lift, get lean muscles- and lose fat- and have 150% of your energy all the time- AND still eat all the cake you want- as long as you get enough protein.

That eating 2 cups of rice makes you bloated and there for are gluten intolerant.

That you must curl 2.5 x body weight.

Protein trumps all marcos.

that sort of thing- all bro-science.

Th3Ph03n1x

JoRocka wrote: »

Robbnva wrote: »

lishie_rebooted wrote: »

Sam_I_Am77 wrote: »

TheCherryMama wrote: »

I would do it all just so your body won't adapt.

Why don't you want your body to adapt?

because broscience

What's broscience

Bro science is the science that says eaing after 10 PM makes you fat.

You can, eat at a deficit, lift, get lean muscles- and lose fat- and have 150% of your energy all the time- AND still eat all the cake you want- as long as you get enough protein.

That eating 2 cups of rice makes you bloated and there for are gluten intolerant.

That you must curl 2.5 x body weight.

Protein trumps all marcos.

that sort of thing- all bro-science.

IE BULL****

Sam_I_Am77

lishie_rebooted wrote: »

Sam_I_Am77 wrote: »

TheCherryMama wrote: »

I would do it all just so your body won't adapt.

Why don't you want your body to adapt?

because broscience

LOL! Okay cool. I was hoping we didn't need to talk about SAID.

Robbnva

JoRocka wrote: »

Robbnva wrote: »

lishie_rebooted wrote: »

Sam_I_Am77 wrote: »

TheCherryMama wrote: »

I would do it all just so your body won't adapt.

Why don't you want your body to adapt?

because broscience

What's broscience

Bro science is the science that says eaing after 10 PM makes you fat.

You can, eat at a deficit, lift, get lean muscles- and lose fat- and have 150% of your energy all the time- AND still eat all the cake you want- as long as you get enough protein.

That eating 2 cups of rice makes you bloated and there for are gluten intolerant.

That you must curl 2.5 x body weight.

Protein trumps all marcos.

that sort of thing- all bro-science.

Ah yeah got it. I've found its hard to find good accurate info with regards to things, this could be why

Sam_I_Am77

JoRocka wrote: »

Robbnva wrote: »

lishie_rebooted wrote: »

Sam_I_Am77 wrote: »

TheCherryMama wrote: »

I would do it all just so your body won't adapt.

Why don't you want your body to adapt?

because broscience

What's broscience

Bro science is the science that says eaing after 10 PM makes you fat.

You can, eat at a deficit, lift, get lean muscles- and lose fat- and have 150% of your energy all the time- AND still eat all the cake you want- as long as you get enough protein.

That eating 2 cups of rice makes you bloated and there for are gluten intolerant.

That you must curl 2.5 x body weight.

Protein trumps all marcos.

that sort of thing- all bro-science.

Like Gluten is a precursor to Ebola?

kandeye

I started strong lifts around the same time as you and all I have to say is of course our form isn't perfect! Look up videos, the stronglifts program has lots of videos to watch. Then film yourself. Then compare. Then repeat. Filming yourself will also help you get over being discouraged. I filmed myself from day one and comparing to just two weeks later I feel way better about form. I didn't add weight to my second squatting day because my form was all over the place and I knew I needed to focus on it.

Th3Ph03n1x

kandeye wrote: »

I started strong lifts around the same time as you and all I have to say is of course our form isn't perfect! Look up videos, the stronglifts program has lots of videos to watch. Then film yourself. Then compare. Then repeat. Filming yourself will also help you get over being discouraged. I filmed myself from day one and comparing to just two weeks later I feel way better about form. I didn't add weight to my second squatting day because my form was all over the place and I knew I needed to focus on it.

I do mine at home it's a better fit for me right now than the gym. I get the hubby to judge and correct my form. He's been really helpful. It's hard to believe he was arguing with me about doing it a week ago.

Robbnva

I'd love to get my own system but the rack alone is expensive, then the weights & bar too.