Stronglifts 5x5 really build muscle???

Yep, I believe in hybrid routines. PHUL is just Layne Norton's PHAT in 4 days instead of two. Pretty cool.

Personally I'm doing a variant of 5/3/1, where I use the compound movements for strength, and the rest of my work is for hypertrophy.

This bit here from the intro to Layne's PHAT program has informed all of my training since:

"Most people try to make these issues out to be black and white to solidify their stances and often fail to acknowledge that these issues are not black and white and there is a substantial gray area. Take the arguments regarding rep ranges for example. How often have you heard you should ONLY train in ‘X’ rep range because it is the best one for growth. Then two days later you see an article interviewing a 300 lb behemoth who trains in a different rep range but also looks insane, so who are you to believe?"

I've said before that I made the decision to listen to Layne a while ago. I like what he claims is important to him, and I like his approach. In an industry where there's always the risk of someone being a fraud, he seems the most credible given his university degrees, academic research, and bodybuilding/powerlifting chops.

His stance... the answer falls in the grey area in between. Train both. Done. Works for me. It's also backed up by others I look up to like Wendler.

Great point. I'm going to continue to train both going forward.

Multiple Rep Ranges Means Maximal Stimulation

For those who want to maximize their hypertrophic potential, it makes sense to train across the continuum of repetition ranges. While there may be validity to focusing on the so-called "hypertrophy range" (6-12 reps), both high (15-20+) and low (1-5) repetition ranges should also be incorporated into your training program.

Not only does such an approach ensure full stimulation of the spectrum of muscle fibers, but it also serves as preparatory work for optimizing performance in the hypertrophy range. Low rep work enhances neuromuscular adaptations necessary for the development of maximal strength so that heavier loads (and thereby greater mechanical tension) can be used at moderate training intensities.

Conversely, performance of higher-rep sets help over time to raise lactate threshold, staving off the onset of fatigue and thus increasing time-under-tension during moderate-rep training.

There are infinite ways in which varied intensities can be integrated into program design. Perhaps the best way to ensure continued progress is by periodizing training rep ranges over time. Both linear and non-linear models are viable alternatives here. It really comes down to personal preference as well as individual goals (i.e., whether you're looking to peak for a specific event).

Another option is to base loading strategies on the type of exercise performed. You might decide to focus on low to moderate-reps (~1-10) for multi-joint movements such as squats, rows, and presses while prioritizing higher rep training (15+) for single-joint, isolation type exercises that may be better suited to lighter training loads.

There are no hard-and-fast rules here. The response to training varies by the individual and ultimately you need to experiment with different approaches and find out what works best.

Both will build size as well as strength. I seriously doubt you would be able to tell the difference in size gain between the two routines as a new lifter. All other things being the same.

The program you are on is a great one though. If you like it there is really no need to switch unless you just want to try out other programs.

Personally I like routines with periodization built in. Working across multiple rep ranges is more enjoyable for me but my main goal is not power lifting either.

I'm thinking the same thing. I looked at Layne Norton's PHAT but I like the 2 on 1 off 2 on 2 off approach of Brandon's workout. I may be sticking to it. I wanted to see what others thought of the StrongLifts 5x5 claim's of muscle gains with his program. Plus I'm not sure I can handle squating heavy three days a week.