So, I run alot, but I want to be stronger!

julianpoutram

Hey everyone,

Thanks for reading and taking the time to help in any way you can! I also apologise if this is like the 5 millionth time somebody has asked you this! I was wondering if anyone knew of any simple, easy ways to get straight into building upper body strength. As I said in the title, I'm pretty fit, I do a lot of running and that is fine, I enjoy it. However, I'm just not happy with the way my upper body looks, It's that kinda skinny-fat you get if you don't use it very often and I want to change that! I want to tone up a little, I'm not looking to move into heavy lifting in the future, just to improve on the build I have and be a little stronger so I don't feel so feeble! haha

I have managed to nab insanity off a friend at work, I will be starting that very shortly, will that be enough? Or would you suggest anything else to add to this?

Thanks again MFP!

Julian

nitrospop

Search stronglifts 5x5....stick with it, and enjoy the new you!

yopeeps025

Search stronglifts 5x5....stick with it, and enjoy the new you!

honestly I think the 5,3,1 scheme is way better for strength.

1911JR

Hi Julian,

I`m a pretty large male, so I will give my 2 cents.

Pull ups, deadlifts, squats and dips. Everything else is isolating and fine tuning.

Everyone heads for the curl bars first, and all they end up with is sore little arms and back pain. They aren`t fun (for some) but you master and bang out those first 4 exercises I gave you, and you will reach your goal of being strong and more muscular.

A strong core is a must. Think about it, have you ever seen a tree that had a small core with big limbs. Your trunk is the support system for everything.

Hope it helps.

nitrospop

Search stronglifts 5x5....stick with it, and enjoy the new you!

honestly I think the 5,3,1 scheme is way better for strength.

That looks like a very good workout as well! A long time ago I would start at 85% of max and lift 10 reps or until failure, add 10 pounds, repeat until I could only push one rep. Then start removing 10 pounds until I could do 10 reps again. I saw tremendous gains, but the workout lasted forever! I was seeing about the same results following the 5x5 and didn't spend nearly as much time in the gym. But that was about 15 years ago!

julianpoutram

Thanks for that! I think I will give it a go, I am struggling to get to grips (no pun intended) with the percentage stuff, it's all very confusing. I'm going to look into all of this though, I do really want to get into, I'm so fed up of being weak! haha