Stronglifts 5X5 question

haanmom

Hi, I am looking for some perspective/experiences from people who do Stronglifts 5X5 or have extensive lifting experience. I am not super experienced with lifting, but am not completely new either. I did weight training programs in college as a softball player, completed Jamie Eason's LiveFit Trainer last year and did the first 2 stages of NROL4W (stopped due to injury).

I am planning to get back to lifting soon and saw some recommendations re: Stronglifts.

Here is my question: my body adapts quickly to cardio and I have to "mix it up" pretty often. When I looked at the stronglifts program, there doesn't appear to be any "mixing up". With NROL4W you do a new stage with new lifts every few weeks. I am sure the stronglifts approach will lead to strength gains.

I am curious if those of you who have been doing Stronglifts for awhile are still seeing results as far as decrease in body fat, or is there a natural plateau because of doing the same lifts week in and week out? What about risk of an overuse injury? (My NROL4W injury was a strained lower back due to a bad combo of tight hips, weak glutes and deadlifting.)

Thanks!

haanmom

bumping for some stronglifts lifters!?!

EvanKeel

There are a few SL 5x5 groups as well. So keep that in mind. One of which, at least, is specific to concerns women might have on the program if that is an interest.

As to your question, I'm not sure what you mean when you say your body adapts to your cardio workouts. As far as 5x5, the point is that you keep adding weight until you reach a point of failure, and then deal with that failure in the manner in which the program suggests.

Starting off slowly, at weight that would normally be very easy, and progressing gradually will help decrease the risk for injury. Proper form is, of course, essential as well.

As far as body fat loss goes, that can be managed through diet alone. I don't imagine lifting really burns all that many calories--at least compared to an intense cardio program.

akadrea

Interested as well! I started stronglifts a few weeks ago. (Also got through round 4 of NROLFW last time and just the 1 phase this time because equipment issues at my gym)

AnabolicKyle

do you need to constantly change exercises to progress?

^^^I think this is what your real question is^^^

no, contrary to "muscle confusion" you dont need to change exercise to progress in strength, hypertrophy & fat loss.

_SusieQ_

I don't really have any answers, I just wanted to point you to this group. :bigsmile:

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/groups/home/4601-stronglifts-5x5-for-women

taso42

You don't have to "mix it up". You steadily increase the weight. What, squatting 300 is too easy? Squat 305 next time. Etc.

Purchase and read Starting Strength. It will tell you everything you need to know about StrongLifts 5x5 :bigsmile:

_the_feniks_

Go for 310. 2.5 pound plates are for children under the age of 12.

Sarauk2sf

You don't have to "mix it up". You steadily increase the weight. What, squatting 300 is too easy? Squat 305 next time. Etc.

Purchase and read Starting Strength. It will tell you everything you need to know about StrongLifts 5x5 :bigsmile:

^^yep

taso42

Go for 310. 2.5 pound plates are for children under the age of 12.

I even use 1.25# plates. I must be 6. :laugh:

Admiral_Derp

You don't have to "mix it up". You steadily increase the weight. What, squatting 300 is too easy? Squat 305 next time. Etc.

Purchase and read Starting Strength. It will tell you everything you need to know about StrongLifts 5x5 :bigsmile:

This man speaks truth.

haanmom

Thanks everybody! Your replies are helpful.