question on stronglifts

Diamondmortiz

This is my second week on stronglifts and I am wondering if I should add other workouts to it? For example after doing the workouts A or B should and could I add more stuff if I feel I can handle it? To be honest with you I don't feel challenged or extremely sore. I was doing BodyPump as a class at the YMCA and feel that helped me get strong but I understand I need to lift heavy to get toned and muscular. So I am just wondering if I don't feel challeneged should I do more workouts? I don't want to delay my progress but I also dont know when too much is TOO much, does that make sense?

Help or insight is greatly appreciated. Thanks!

a_vettestingray

You will progress very quickly in this program; it will get to the point where you don't want to do more. Also, just because you don't feel sore doesn't mean the workout wan't effective. Soreness is not an indicator of a good workout - although we all tend to think that for some reason (myself included).

Early in the game, you can do some accessory body weight work afterwards: pullups, situps, pushups, etc. Maybe some light cardio, such as walking for 20 minutes on the treadmill?

However, in a few weeks, between you warmups and you work sets, you probably won't feel like doing much more afterwards.

ETA: I am on Week 16 and still do some core work after every workout. Personal preference, but I feel like my weak core is limiting my squat, so I am trying to build it up.

fittiephd

I agree with the above post, as you progress very quickly you will start feeling WAY more exhausted after workouts and wont' want to add much else.

I personally add some bicep and tricep isolation work with the dumbbells at the end of each workout, as well as ab floor work. I don't do any other exercise, cardio, or other workouts on rest days. It's not necessary and can harm your muscles. Some times I am sore after a workout sometimes I'm not. Soreness is not an indicator of a successful workout.

As a_vettestingray said, when you get farther down the road, you will be doing warm up sets and working weight sets and that will make you plenty tired. For example I currently do (on squats):
Warmup:
45 lbs x10
95 lbs x5
115 lbs x5
135 lbs x5
155 lbs x5
170 lbsx5
170 lbsx5
170 lbsx5
170 lbsx5
170 lbsx5

This ends up being 55 squats at varying weights, and makes you PLENTY tired. I don't do quite as many warm up sets on other lifts, it definitely corresponds to the weight I Lift. for example on bench press I do 85 for working weight, so I warm up with 45, 55, 65, 75 lbs, 5 reps each.

But I also agree that light cardio on workout days or some HIIT on rest days wont' hurt you either. Or yoga And always stretch!