I considered New Rules, before I decided to go with StrongLifts. I bought the book and really enjoyed it, but like you, I thought it was too complicated, so went with SL. I don't think it's boring, because it gives me a chance to concentrate on form and it's challenging. I really like the instant gratification I feel when I add that next 5 lbs and complete the lift or when I break through a plateau.

I also really like being stronger and what it's done for my body! :happy:

I considered New Rules, before I decided to go with StrongLifts. I bought the book and really enjoyed it, but like you, I thought it was too complicated, so went with SL. I don't think it's boring, because it gives me a chance to concentrate on form and it's challenging. I really like the instant gratification I feel when I add that next 5 lbs and complete the lift or when I break through a plateau.

I also really like being stronger and what it's done for my body! :happy:

again exactly my thoughts. I also read the book but as an absolute beginner I felt more comfy getting into the stuff with the SL program.

I think maybe they are just more tricky to learn if you don't have a coach right there with you to watch your form and guide you.

I made it through stage 2 and then switched for the same reason that others listed: simplicity. Plus, I feel more badass doing deadlifts than I do doing some variation of lunges.

Bump

I was just about finished with Stage 5 of NROLFW when I switched. The workouts were simply too long. I have a very busy schedule and couldn't fit 2 hour workouts in so I found I was skipping a lot of the time and just doing cardio at home. I find SL to fit perfectly. I do think I am going to start adding a bit of accessory work soon.

This. Also, I was a member of the NROLFW group for awhile, and everyone was so scattered across the various stages that maybe that's why it seemed like less group synergy over there than over here.

I did NROLFW to completion and loved it. I was sad when it was finished! But now I'm 3 weeks into Stronglifts and enjoying this too! I got amazing results from NROL so I'm hoping to get even more from SL!

I know this is an old thread but I was reading through posts in this group and this caught my eye. This is the path I took as well. I loved reading New Rules and I credit it with getting me into a structured freeweight program. Like others have said, however, it was overly complicated, required a lot of different equipment, and took too long each session.

I didn't like that it starts you with normal squats and deadlifts then transitions you to variations. It seems like it should be the other way around. I also hate lunges and NROL seems to favor lunges and split squats and other single-leg isolation exercises. The changing of routines also limited the amount of weight I could add which bummed me out.

I would spend a lot of time running around the gym using different equipment with it, too. Getting on popular equipment like the cable machine and the squat rack was a challenge as was finding the space and gathering items like steps, exercise balls, and dumbbells to do lunges, ab work, and step-ups. I'd end up spending 2+ hours in the gym and I just don't have the time or desire to do that.

I changed to strong lifts because my squat plateaued at 85 lbs and deadlift at 105 and I thought deloading and using a basic progressive program would help me out. Strong lifts was easy and pretty short at first but now, in week 5, it's definitely challenging and taking longer. I liked having those first few workouts to get my form down and feel comfortable with the movement. I just squatted 110 and deadlifted 125 with (some) ease. I'm also benching more than I ever could. After 12 weeks, I'm going to stick to a similar type program.

I'd recommend NROLFW to people who are new/shy/skeptical about lifting with free weights. Lou Schuler does a great job explaining why women should be lifting heavy and how to go about it. He also does it in an entertaining manner.