Stronglifts 5x5 for Women

Join
We are pleased to announce that on March 4, 2025, an updated Rich Text Editor will be introduced in the MyFitnessPal Community. To learn more about the upcoming changes, please click here. We look forward to sharing this new feature with you!

A 5x5 victory for me and a bit of a question

j99li
j99li Posts: 421 Member
edited February 1 in Social Groups
I have done 4 weeks of 5x5 and this morning, I hit my 100lb squat mark!! I am so happy to have made it this far :D

Here are my stats after 4 week:

Squats:45 --> 100
Bench: 45 --> 70 (I only got 4x5 and 1x4
Row: 65 --> 85
OHP: 45 --> 55 (these are killer)
Deadlift: 55 --> 85

They aren't impressive numbers but I am working on it :D

Now I have a question for you ladies. I know that squats can really help you firm up your behind...how long did it take for you to see a difference?

Also, currently I am doing approx 20-30 min of elliptical after stronglifts, at what point is it time to stop the cardio? On my off days, I do an hr of spin.

Thanks!!

Replies

  • PitBullMom_Liz
    PitBullMom_Liz Posts: 339 Member
    Outstanding progress!!!
  • BikerGirlElaine
    BikerGirlElaine Posts: 1,631 Member
    You are doing great! That's some terrific progress. Yeah, OHP is a tough one, but you just keep at it. :flowerforyou:

    I am big and I have a big booty already, so I've never noticed a difference, can't help you there.

    As to the cardio... I don't do much of it on my off days, I let my muscles rest and rebuild. I'll go for a walk on those days. But after my lifting, I do some sprints on the stationary cycle. If I understand correctly, that's the right time to do it and intervals are the most efficient way to burn fat stores. I do 15 minutes of hard sprints, and if I have more time I'll do more but at a lower intensity.

    If I were in your shoes, when my squat progress started to suffer I would drop the spin classes, or move them to after my lifting session.

    And I know that you will get lots of different answers on this one, so hang tight and see what others say as well!
  • bumblebums
    bumblebums Posts: 2,181 Member
    Those are some impressive noob gains! Congratulations!

    I am not sure how long it took for my butt to start looking better, but in general, I find that it takes 6 if not 8 weeks for a new exercise regimen to produce *visible* results. So you might start seeing some changes in another month or so, or sooner.

    Cardio--controversial. I've never heard anyone say they like spin classes :) but If you like them, I would do them on off days, and make sure to give yourself at least one full rest day, if not two.
  • j99li
    j99li Posts: 421 Member
    Oh ok, currently I dont work out on the weekends so those are my rest days.

    What about eating habits? Do you guys find that ever since starting SL, you've been more hungry? Also, when does the scale start moving again? Cuz i gained 1.5lbs in 2 weeks....I dont know if thats muscle or just water weight from glycogen
  • bumblebums
    bumblebums Posts: 2,181 Member
    Oh ok, currently I dont work out on the weekends so those are my rest days.

    What about eating habits? Do you guys find that ever since starting SL, you've been more hungry? Also, when does the scale start moving again? Cuz i gained 1.5lbs in 2 weeks....I dont know if thats muscle or just water weight from glycogen

    I am maintaining at the moment. Diary is open.

    I would bet on water retention, considering your level of activity and commitment--sounds like you are pushing yourself enough to get, as they say, swole.
  • j99li
    j99li Posts: 421 Member
    LOL what is "swole"? will this water weight eventually go away?

    I am definitely excited to enter the heavier weights :) I will probably do 100lbs on squats again on Monday before progressing cuz they were so tough today!

    Oh ok, currently I dont work out on the weekends so those are my rest days.

    What about eating habits? Do you guys find that ever since starting SL, you've been more hungry? Also, when does the scale start moving again? Cuz i gained 1.5lbs in 2 weeks....I dont know if thats muscle or just water weight from glycogen

    I am maintaining at the moment. Diary is open.

    I would bet on water retention, considering your level of activity and commitment--sounds like you are pushing yourself enough to get, as they say, swole.
  • bumblebums
    bumblebums Posts: 2,181 Member
    LOL what is "swole"? will this water weight eventually go away?

    http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=swole

    Probably, or at least it will stop interfering with fat loss.
    I am definitely excited to enter the heavier weights :) I will probably do 100lbs on squats again on Monday before progressing cuz they were so tough today!

    Sounds smart!
  • j99li
    j99li Posts: 421 Member
    LMAO I wish I was swole
This discussion has been closed.

Categories