Anyone do 5x5?

stefanieblaise

I never tried powerlifting before but lately I am interested in starting 5x5 resistance training. I don't want to eventually compete, I just want to get stronger and improve my skinny-fat body. Would it be better (financially) for me to invest in building up a home gym, or should I try it out for a month at a crossfit gym first?

lorrpb

i would say try it out at the gym to see if you like it. Not sure if crossfit is oriented to 5x5 though. I think they do their own program and its not all lifting.

_Bro

Much more of a fan of 5x5 then crossfit... crossfit can be great but all too often it's done sloppily at a high risk of injury
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=qnjYyfkcaNI

jenilla1

You don't need a cross fit gym to do lifting. There are plenty of other gyms you can try out your lifting in.

pamfgil

I've jus started, cause I'm though slowly I'm still using kettle bells and dumbbells so you could start at home with minimal equipment

sammyliftsandeats

Any commercial gym with a squat rack, bench, Olympic bar and plates will be accommodating to a 5x5 routine.

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julie_broadhead

sammyliftsandeats wrote: »

Any commercial gym with a squat rack, bench, Olympic bar and plates will be accommodating to a 5x5 routine.

This. Start at a commercial gym and if you later decide that you love barbell training you should consider the home gym. It will save you money in the long run.

slacker80

Over the recent years I've become use to high paced workouts with Volume/Intensity. It's pretty much the core value or a cross fit program. You can apply these factors in a regular gym with traditional exercise form and working sets.

Leadfoot_Lewis

"Jtalaskamom wrote: »

This. Start at a commercial gym and if you later decide that you love barbell training you should consider the home gym. It will save you money in the long run.

^This. Find a gym or rec center where you can pay admission and not get strapped into a contract. Give it a try and see how you like it. Some people like working out at gyms while others (like myself) like doing the at home gym thing.

Also, we have a Stronglifts group here you might want to check out:

http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/group/4601-stronglifts-5x5-for-women

quiksylver296

Agree with everyone else. Find a gym with a squat rack and get to work!

pondee629

I'm using Strong Lifts 5x5. Like it just fine with one proviso; It can get ahead of you, increasing the weight 5 pounds each successive attempt. Squats increasing 15 pounds each week can get heavy and will point out imbalances in your strength. Don't get hung up in keeping up with the program. Progress at your rate at which you are pressed but still comfortable. Repeating a weight, or dropping down is perfectly fine.

" Would it be better (financially) for me to invest in building up a home gym, or should I try it out for a month at a crossfit gym first?"

How much equipment are you thinking about buying, how much are you thinking about spending, how much is the gym membership? The gym membership is spread out the cost of home equipment is all up front. yes you can extend your purchases but you'll still need some basic stuff right away.

A home gym is a commitment of money and space. A gym membership is a commitment of monthly payments. There probably is greater variety and range of equipment at the gym. You won't have to wait to use equipment at home.
Your home never closes for you, the gym might.
Travel distance to a gym might be a problem, home not so much.
You may make new friends at a gym, you can invite your current friends to your home gym.

Up front costs v. monthly payments.
Taking up space at home with equipment/maintaining your equipment v. using others stuff.
Convenience of home v. variety and more options at gym.
Travel to gym v. fall out of bed to gym at home.

You pays your money and you make your choices. Have fun.