Re: Gym Bunnies Unite
"zeikphur"
Same here :(
Due to my stagnation in growth, I might change my routine to 5x5.
For bros who are in this regime, may I ask how are your escalation level in strength and mass?
Thanks
I started 5x5 in March, following the program quite strictly, starting with an empty bar.
Before I started 5x5 program, I was mainly training with dumbbells, don't have access to barbells, didn't like smith as I tend to get shoulder pain with it, I don't do squats and deadlift before, so the other numbers:
- Dumbbell chest press: 25kg a side
- Seated dumbbell shoulder press: 18kg, tried 20kg a side but it's too much for me
Didn't list the rest as they are not related to the 5x5 lifts, mainly the other isolation movements like fly, raises and curls...
Current body weight 91kg, so the below 5x5 stats are hardly impressive, my goal is to squat above my bw, bench my bw.
Here's my numbers.
- Squats: 75kg
- Overhead Press: 45kg
- Bench Press: 72.5kg
- Deadlift: 80kg
- Back row: 60kg
Not a lot as I was sick in between, went overseas, so whenever I took a week break, I drop the weight and work up from there again.
So, in short, the 5x5 strength training is giving me huge improvement in terms of strength and muscle, my legs are definitely stronger and bigger, shoulders too, back then, I only do shoulder press seated, so the weight gains is really a lot for me.
I also have a back problem, so with such compound lifts, I'm actually training my entire body and the core (another neglected muscle group). When I was focused to go heavier, I realised my form and mobility is holding me back, I got tight hamstrings, hip flexors, all this from lousy sitting posture, hours on the computer.
So now I'm also into stretching, tried those group classes, yoga/pilates is no joke..
Just give 5x5 a try, it's really programmed to give you strength, not body building, so if you are after cosmetic, you have to rely on isolation movements to focus on those muscles, but trust me, with 5x5 you don't need any other isolation as those lifts does build up the rest.
The most you need to do to fill the gaps are movements that target, biceps, calves..