Help with gaining strength!

SomersetCharlie
SomersetCharlie Posts: 42 Member
edited November 27 in Health and Weight Loss
Hi I am a 25 year old male, standing at 6ft tall and weighing just above 210lbs. I have always fluctuated in weight due to previous experience lifting, but ill disciplined, ignorant to dietary needs and lack of motivation due to being in a relationship and not needing to try anymore to look good. However I now have a new lease of energy and I WILL achieve my dream goal to be both strong and in shape! I am not a fan of typical bodybuilder routines and want to start strength training. Have found a programme called the 5/3/1 routine. Is it any good? Has anyone tried it? Details of your experience welcome!
Also I am looking for advice on where to start with my diet. I understand to gain strength you need to be in a calorie surplus, however i weigh about half a stone more than in my pic below and want to avoid gaining too much fat! Would a small cutting phase be worth it? Or do I just need to dive straight into gaining strength? Obviously a lean bulk.
Any extra tips you can give would be appreciated :D thank you!
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Replies

  • jemhh
    jemhh Posts: 14,261 Member
    Many people gain strength during a cut. If you aren't cutting your calories too much you could be fine. 5/3/1 is a good program. I'd suggest reading at least the first book so you're sure you understand it. You may get more responses by posting this in the Fitness and Exercise section.
  • SomersetCharlie
    SomersetCharlie Posts: 42 Member
    jemhh wrote: »
    Many people gain strength during a cut. If you aren't cutting your calories too much you could be fine. 5/3/1 is a good program. I'd suggest reading at least the first book so you're sure you understand it. You may get more responses by posting this in the Fitness and Exercise section.

    You’re a star! Thanks for the advice! I shall be sure to re-read the book! Thanks :)
  • mywayroche
    mywayroche Posts: 218 Member
    You gain muscle during a bulk, strength too. You can gain strength by keeping reps low even in a cut, just much slower when cutting. Power lifters like to try to keep within a particular weight bracket so they try reduce hypertrophy while training strength by keeping reps low. Strength isn't muscle, muscle becomes strong.
  • SomersetCharlie
    SomersetCharlie Posts: 42 Member
    mywayroche wrote: »
    You gain muscle during a bulk, strength too. You can gain strength by keeping reps low even in a cut, just much slower when cutting. Power lifters like to try to keep within a particular weight bracket so they try reduce hypertrophy while training strength by keeping reps low. Strength isn't muscle, muscle becomes strong.
    Thank you! I shall keep that in mind! It can be confusing to distinguish between all the different lifters and techniques.

  • mom23mangos
    mom23mangos Posts: 3,069 Member
    As others said, you can definitely gain strength during a cut. I did 5/3/1 for a year and wasn't thrilled with it, but I know plenty of people who love it. I've heard that Beyond 5/3/1 is really the better program.
  • SomersetCharlie
    SomersetCharlie Posts: 42 Member
    Thank you! It is good to have the reassurance to cut and understand i wont be weak!
    Hope the 5/3/1 works better for myself :)
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