NROL or Stronglifts 5x5

Haven't done NROL, but I liked SL 5x5 and it's a free program, which is a point in its favor. I would probably try SL and if you don't like it, consider switching. If you don't know much about form and lifting, on the other hand, it would probably be a good idea to get the NROL book since form is key and SL doesn't really explain lifting technique. Consider having a free session with a trainer or watching some youtube videos to make sure your form is good.

My husband and I recently started Stronglifts and we really like it. It has been really straightforward and easy for me to understand. If you cant decide maybe you could do one night of each and see which one you like better : )

Good luck!!

I started Stronglifts last weekend. I also read the NROL4W book but found it a bit too much for me as a beginner. SL's workouts are much more straightforward.

I like Stronglifts, and there is an app for smartphones to help you track your progress, which I also use and like.

For starting out, do Stronglifts. It's super simple, free, and right there on your phone, plus if you search this forum you'll find some great results pics.

Later on, when you're more comfortable with lifting and ready to step up your game, that would be the time to switch to NROL.

I am reading the NROL book, but I started doing Stronglifts this week, have done 2 sessions so far and it is great.

I've been doing SL for just over 2 months. I love its simplicity. Very easy to learn the lifts and follow. Very quick, I'm usually out of the weight room in about 30 minutes. I read NROLFW and while there was some great info as to why to lift, diet, etc., seems a little more complicated than I felt like dealing with as a lifting noob.

I love Stronglifts. Finishing up my 4th week of it.

Want to lift heavy things?
http://www.nerdfitness.com/blog/2011/07/21/meet-staci-your-new-powerlifting-super-hero/

Stronglifts Summary
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/560459-stronglifts-5x5-summary

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

Another SL vote here. I have done it for several months and really enjoyed it. The app helped tracking and the program takes out all of the guess work on when to up weight (or drop weight deloading is important too).

I follow stronglifts and love it. Everyone has already made great points for it.

Before doing stronglifts though, I did the jamie eason 12 week program from bodybuilding.com. It is also free and there is an app for your phone just like stronglifts. The app is called bodyspace and you would select the jamie eason program. I liked this program because I was completely new to lifting and it forced me to try out almost all the equiptment at the gym. It starts off slow and you don't need to know anything about form to start. There are also videos/pictures for each move everyday in case you don't know how to do it. Plus I now know a ton of different exercises for each muscle. On the days I don't do stronglifts, I do isolated exercises from this program.

I can't say anything about NROL...

Both are very different workouts. I have done both I think they each have strong points depending on what you want from your program.

There are several verions of NROL, of which I have done the original, 4life and Supercharged. The newest and "best" being Supercharged. I think it is an amazing program. Full body workouts that focus on the major natrual motions of the body. After the break in routines workouts including RAMP warmups, through Post workout foam roller will take just over an hour most times. The workout will exhaust your entire body each time. The workouts are build your own... the way it is described in the book is by using a Chinese menu approach. Each workout is broken down into parts, and you pick the exercise that fits there. It sounds more complicated then it is, but it gives you a flexibility to engage each portion of the workout with the lift most appropriate to your fitness level. It really does help to read and understand the book as you progress.

Strong Lifts 5x5 is simpler to follow and takes much less time per workout. You are using heavier weights for less repetitions and really focusing in on Strength Training. There are only the 5 exercises to master and each one is great at helping you get stronger and stronger. As you advance in the workout you are using heavier weights to achieve the same lifts, if you are new to lifting you will probably see your strength grow pretty quickly at first.

Personally.... when I have the time to do the workouts I think NROL is great. It is a structured workout with a lot of variability. When I am pressed for time, like during the seasons I coach the kids sports teams and my workout needs to stay under an hour I go with a strength based program (I prefer 5/3/1 to stronglifts 5x5)

Some people might find SL boring. Some people might find NROL too complex. It's personal preference.

Starting strength is another option and is a book with a lot of good info. Similar to 5x5, but does 3x5, which is the main difference

Wendler 5/3/1

Great program, but not meant for a beginner. It does not have nearly enough frequency of each of the big lifts and the progression is too slow for a new lifter. This is great for intermediate lifters and is the program I follow.