Strong lifts 5x5 really does work

Options
xbowhunter
xbowhunter Posts: 988 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
I am still in the early stages doing strong lifts 5x5 & really enjoying it.
Helping me to stay focused & I know exactly what I will be doing when I get to the gym.
A slow progression to ensure good form & reduce the risk of injury.
No more working out on machines.
I am usually in & out of the gym in less than 60min.
I feel my strength improving & will only get better.
Upper back pain & knee pain gone.
Improved energy level.
I am still losing fat & gaining muscle.

Who ever invented this program is a genius... :)

Replies

  • tcatcarson
    tcatcarson Posts: 227 Member
    Options
    xbowhunter wrote: »
    I am still in the early stages doing strong lifts 5x5 & really enjoying it.
    Helping me to stay focused & I know exactly what I will be doing when I get to the gym.
    A slow progression to ensure good form & reduce the risk of injury.
    No more working out on machines.
    I am usually in & out of the gym in less than 60min.
    I feel my strength improving & will only get better.
    Upper back pain & knee pain gone.
    Improved energy level.
    I am still losing fat & gaining muscle.

    Who ever invented this program is a genius... :)

    That's one of the simplest, clearest and most succinct success stories I think I've heard here for ages. Nice one!
  • jimmmer
    jimmmer Posts: 3,515 Member
    edited March 2016
    Options
    xbowhunter wrote: »
    I am still in the early stages doing strong lifts 5x5 & really enjoying it.
    Helping me to stay focused & I know exactly what I will be doing when I get to the gym.
    A slow progression to ensure good form & reduce the risk of injury.
    No more working out on machines.
    I am usually in & out of the gym in less than 60min.
    I feel my strength improving & will only get better.
    Upper back pain & knee pain gone.
    Improved energy level.
    I am still losing fat & gaining muscle.

    Who ever invented this program is a genius... :)

    5x5's were popular in the 50's due to Reg Park's success with them (Arnold's inspiration).

    They were made vogue again by Bill Starr (Rippetoe's mentor), then again by Rippetoe (riffing off of Starr) and now by various peeps like Johnny Pain, Mehdi (all basically riffing off of Rippetoe)

    But 5x5's recur time and time again because they are effective and give a good balance between mass and strength for the general trainee.

    Glad you've found something you like and is working for you - milk it for everything you can and then, when you're ready, take the next step...
  • AlphaCajun
    AlphaCajun Posts: 290 Member
    Options
    Same here xbowhunter, and from the username, my people! Flinging arrows and getting fit, good times!

    I'm at the beginning of week 6 SL5x5 and love it. Coupled with some 5k running, I'm faster, more energetic and have MUCH more stamina than before starting. For me the biggest improvement is that nagging but not serious lower back pain I used to get from being on my feet all day. Gone. When I max my squats, I'll switch to madcows 5x5 but that's a ways down the road still. In the mean time, bend some bars!
  • galgenstrick
    galgenstrick Posts: 2,086 Member
    Options
    I did SL for a while and loved it because of simplicity and short workouts. I moved on since I wanted to focus on physique + strength instead of just strength. Nice work though!
  • quiksylver296
    quiksylver296 Posts: 28,442 Member
    Options
    Agreed!
  • tincanonastring
    tincanonastring Posts: 3,944 Member
    Options
    Yep, gotta say that I love the SL program. I've been doing them for about 3 months now and have started to add some accessory work, but my total gym time is still far less than what I used to put in.

Categories