Any 5x5 Success Stories?

Solamer

I'm three weeks in and a complete newbie to barbell weight lifting. I haven't seen big changes yet but I FEEL stronger and being stronger makes me feel lighter... and that feels really good. So far I really like the program.

samhennings

ejane609 wrote: »

I'm three weeks in and a complete newbie to barbell weight lifting. I haven't seen big changes yet but I FEEL stronger and being stronger makes me feel lighter... and that feels really good. So far I really like the program.

I was going to say almost exactly this.

Ive been 7 times, also had a week holiday breaking it up, and already I feel really good. I dont believe Ive bulked at all, would be silly really, but I am finding everything feels kind of "tighter", or firmer. It leaves me with excitement to wonder how I will feel after another 7 times!

I started with the bar, and that first day I walked out of the gym and nearly collapsed walking down a step - my legs were like jelly and just went from under me! After that I dreaded squats, but seriously I love them now.

I work out early, and accidentally put 10kg on the bar more than I should have yesterday, did a set of 5 thinking "This is heavier than normal - I must be tired!" and then realised my mistake (was just having one of 'those' days). I deloaded the bar, to stick with the program, but was absolutely delighted I still did that set and felt good doing it.

Its hard to say if Im getting stronger at this point, its so early, but I am now feeling that I am working harder which feels really good.

arabianhorselover

kshadows wrote: »

One year difference. SL 5x5 on and off (mostly off due to injury and surgery) but all together probably about 4 months of it.

I'd say you did something more than just Stronglifts.

arabianhorselover

wilsonctenney wrote: »

I just started strong lifts last week, but I have been lifting a while so I didn't start with the bar. I'm 202.6 @ 16.7% bodyfat (using the 3 point method) and running a 20% deficit, but I'll be doing only a 15% cut when my bodyfat gets under 15%. My main goal is body composition and I am trying to get into 8-9% range and then do weekly adjustments to keep in there. Here is a question: do you just enter the activity for stronglifts as 45 min of 'strength training'? Also, I'm doing intermittent fasting as well, so my first meal of the day is a low carb protein shake before lifting, then I cram all the rest of my calories in 1-2 hours just after lifting.

That's how I've always logged mine. Probably not very accurate, but seems like the easiest way to me.

giannigreco83

bump

kandeye

Yesterday I started my 10th week of stronglifts. The scale hasn't moved much but the inches are steadily coming off . I started with the empty barbell and as of yesterday my stats are squats 135 (yay finally got to the 45 plate!) Deadlift 195, row 90, bench 80 and ohp 65 (grrr). It's insane to look back at just a few months ago and think about how clumsy/weak I felt with just the bar. Such a great program to do. I will be back to post pics at my year mark lol

sarahmaryfearnley

arabianhorselover wrote: »

wilsonctenney wrote: »

I just started strong lifts last week, but I have been lifting a while so I didn't start with the bar. I'm 202.6 @ 16.7% bodyfat (using the 3 point method) and running a 20% deficit, but I'll be doing only a 15% cut when my bodyfat gets under 15%. My main goal is body composition and I am trying to get into 8-9% range and then do weekly adjustments to keep in there. Here is a question: do you just enter the activity for stronglifts as 45 min of 'strength training'? Also, I'm doing intermittent fasting as well, so my first meal of the day is a low carb protein shake before lifting, then I cram all the rest of my calories in 1-2 hours just after lifting.

That's how I've always logged mine. Probably not very accurate, but seems like the easiest way to me.

I don't think this is an accurate way to log because you are not lifting for the entire 45min. There is a lot of resting. I don't log the calories as cardio. I just keep track of my sets as strength, which is not overly accurate either. I log no calories but I'm not too strict with my calories and will eat a little more if I'm hungry. It seems to be working for me so far.

DirrtyH

My weight loss is super slow and I wouldn't say the inches are exactly coming off either, but I definitely feel stronger. I've been doing it since mid/late January and last week, this super buff, tattooed guy that I see at the gym a lot but have never spoken to before told me I'm awesome. I'd call that a success.

_benjammin

wilsonctenney wrote: »

...Here is a question: do you just enter the activity for stronglifts as 45 min of 'strength training'? Also, I'm doing intermittent fasting as well, so my first meal of the day is a low carb protein shake before lifting, then I cram all the rest of my calories in 1-2 hours just after lifting.

I do IF and don't eat back exercise calories, regardless if I'm cutting or bulking, just set a calorie goal and forget it. Your protein shake is breaking your fast. Why not get some carbs in before your workout? I would guess your gym performance would improve with some carbs.

BklynFitGuy

So I just finished 1 week(3 workouts). I only used the bar for each workout and didn't progress with any plates. I felt a bit sore the day after each workout. I definitely feel good physically as well as mentally. Being able to get through the workout and now looking forward to the progression feels great. I think I'm hooked.

I'll start doing the plate progression beginning with my next workout.

goillini1996

MikeDee_ny wrote: »

So I just finished 1 week(3 workouts). I only used the bar for each workout and didn't progress with any plates. I felt a bit sore the day after each workout. I definitely feel good physically as well as mentally. Being able to get through the workout and now looking forward to the progression feels great. I think I'm hooked.

I'll start doing the plate progression beginning with my next workout.

Going to start myself today - I am going to begin with bar only as well - we'll see how it goes!!! Glad to hear there are other guys out there that are beginners as well!

CChilders1

Anyone tried the Ice Cream 5x5? Similar concept, but adds in some of the auxiliary muscles associated with the larger lifts. I have in the past lifted quite extensively for power (college FB) and this type of program is appealing. Here's some info on the Ice Cream method: http://www.muscleandstrength.com/workouts/jason-blaha-ice-cream-fitness-5x5-novice-workout

McCloud33

CChilders1 wrote: »

Anyone tried the Ice Cream 5x5? Similar concept, but adds in some of the auxiliary muscles associated with the larger lifts. I have in the past lifted quite extensively for power (college FB) and this type of program is appealing. Here's some info on the Ice Cream method: http://www.muscleandstrength.com/workouts/jason-blaha-ice-cream-fitness-5x5-novice-workout

I've looked into it and if I had the time it might be feasible, but as the regular SL5x5 program get's heavier and I needed more rest in between sets, I was already pushing 45-55 minutes and I only have an hour from the time the gym opens until I have to leave to get ready for work. Everything I've read says ICF takes closer to an hour and a half, but get's good results

CChilders1

McCloud33 wrote: »

CChilders1 wrote: »

Anyone tried the Ice Cream 5x5? Similar concept, but adds in some of the auxiliary muscles associated with the larger lifts. I have in the past lifted quite extensively for power (college FB) and this type of program is appealing. Here's some info on the Ice Cream method: http://www.muscleandstrength.com/workouts/jason-blaha-ice-cream-fitness-5x5-novice-workout

I've looked into it and if I had the time it might be feasible, but as the regular SL5x5 program get's heavier and I needed more rest in between sets, I was already pushing 45-55 minutes and I only have an hour from the time the gym opens until I have to leave to get ready for work. Everything I've read says ICF takes closer to an hour and a half, but get's good results

That was my concern as well. He estimates in the video it taking 90 minutes to complete.

giannigreco83

Are you guys continuing after the 12 weeks ?

akiba254

I am just starting but this thread has been awesome motivation to stick with it and believe its the right thing.

mizzzc

I am on week 2 of the program and already feeling much stronger. A little clumsy but improving. Eating at TDEE minus about 10-20% and it has really helped improve my lifts (did this program for two months a while back and struggled at a 2 pound loss a week deficit)

auddii

3bambi3 wrote: »

I don't have any pics, but I went from a 70lb squat and 'wtf is a deadlift' to 200+ on each lift. It's a great program, and I really enjoyed seeing my progress every session. Best of luck to you!

^This is my favorite description of lifting newb.

I ran Strong lifts off and on for about two years. I took some breaks for vacation and switched to strong curves for a few months when I got mentally tired. Then I injured my tailbone and had to take a break from deads and squats, and went back to SL when I could do them again.

Just started Wendler's (I'm in my deload week of my first cycle). Not huge improvements recently on the scale, but I increased my calories because I found myself binging a lot (plus had the lovely 10lb holiday gain that I still haven't worked off).

Started with the bar except for DL (started at 65lbs). Finished SL with the following 5 rep weights:
Squats 170
Bench 95
OHP 65
Rows 95
DL 210

Boobietrap1337

I'm a lifting newb too but completely falling in love with it. This is the second week I've done stronglifts, and already feel stronger/better. I started with the bar even though it was super easy for me. I'm just focusing on form, but I can already tell that my OHP is going to be the lift that I'll dread. And after reading all this, I'm definitely not eating enough!

IamUndrCnstruction

Question about eating enough, as the above poster mentioned. At 5'10" with about 50ish pounds to lose, lifting 3x a week and cardio 4 times a week....desk job otherwise, should I be eating more than 1350 calories? All calculators say yes, by way more, but MFP gave the 1350 number. I do eat back some exercise cals, but never all, and rarely half. And yes, I am tired all the damn time. The scale has not moved either direction in a bit....