picking the right routine

[bi0hazurd]

I've been doing DC training routine for a few months now. I really like the size gains I've been getting, maninly in my bis, back, and legs. However I've been wanting more of a strength gain than what I feel like I'm getting. I was thinking of transitioning over to rippetoes starting strength I've heard its the best of the strength training routines. However I'm afraid to loose the gains that I've made with DC in size. Should I be worried? Or will the gains stay?

[bi0hazurd]

Also can someone please post the details of mark rippetoes starting strength? Or if u know any other better strength building routines

[uncheelstar]

My go to strength routine is the 5x5 program... everything 5x5 without overdoing it.

Ex: Legs Squat 5x5, Leg Press 5x5, Calf raise 5x3 or 4 and then you are done, but if you do it right, you will leave it all on the floor.

Pyramids are good as well, but sometimes you just have to go in there and do what your body tells you. You may go in with the 5x5 plan but only do 3 sets of 5 and go harder on the next exercise. You could either do one muscle group once a week or go ahead and hit the same muscle group 2 times a week at different angles

Ex: Mon-BB Bench Press, T-Bar Rows, DB Curls, Tricep Push downs
Tues- Legs- Squat, Leg Press, Calf Raise
Thurs- DB Incline Press, DB Rows, BB Curls, Tricep Extension
Friday- Deadlift, leg curls, calf raises

You hit chest twice, back twice, and legs twice with a little arm work.

Or....

One major muscle group once per week

Mon-Chest/tris
Tues- Legs, Quads
Thurs- Shoulders
Fri- Back/Bis

I can get into this split as well if you would like

Hope this has helped

[CopyCat]

Here are two good links to look into for Starting Strength:

http://startingstrength.wikia.com/wi..._Strength_Wiki

http://www.startingstrength.net/

Also, I sent ya a PM

[SweetLou321]

i like 5/3/1 for strength and size ATM
in 6 monthes ive added 60lbs to my squat and deadlift, and 35lbs to my bench and oh press.

[bi0hazurd]

What is 5/3/1? And how does it compare in strength and size gains to 5x5 and DC?

[SweetLou321]

its slow progressive program
its easy to find in the powerlifting section here and if you google it
it a 4 day routine based on the Bench, Squat, Press, and Deadlift
idk how it compares to 5x5 since ive never tried it, but ive been doing 5/3/1 for 6 monthes now

[Steelwolf]

I honestly think at some point we need to work on writing our own routines and developing on our true calling and weaknesses vs routines someone else designs. Use them as a base but go for your own

[SweetLou321]

i agree with you here, i personally started with the basic 5/3/1 outline then modified it from there to fit me personally and now i really enjoy it. But it seems hes lookin for a base program to try

[Steelwolf]

i agree with you here, i personally started with the basic 5/3/1 outline then modified it from there to fit me personally and now i really enjoy it. But it seems hes lookin for a base program to try

It really depends on goals at the same time to. I dont understand just here's your routine even with a base program

[SweetLou321]

well for me personally its strength goals on the big three and overall hypertrophy so a modified 5/3/1 works pretty well, idk about the OP tho

[Steelwolf]

well for me personally its strength goals on the big three and overall hypertrophy so a modified 5/3/1 works pretty well, idk about the OP tho

Modified 5/3/1 works great for strength. My girlfriend is on a similar idea that I have given except we do not use percentages. 5/3/1 are all close to maxes. There is some exercise cycling involved and other things, but it works very well for her. I use the 5/3/1 rep scheme in my training but that is about it. I think reps 5/3/1 offer a lot in training.

[SweetLou321]

well its the first program that ever had progression built in for me, and its making a huge difference as things go along, pretty basic and can be used in almost any routine

[Omega]

ive also been doing a 5X5 strength based routine starting light and adding weight every workout for the last 2 months and made some pretty good gains in both size and strength but i felt squatting 5X5 every other day was too much for my body so i combined it with the 5/3/1 and taylor made it to fit what i think would help me the most.

now that i know the 5X5 works, i can always build off of that.. try everything, and keep what works

[drinkyboy]

I would say they it works great but it must be tailored to yourself and your weaknesses. Your only as strong as your weakest link.

[Torobestia]

Seems like you should have waited to go on DC. I have had massive strength gains like I had never achieved with 5/3/1 or westside template, but I also had a great base strength before starting (except on my squat, which blew ass). I don't know what you guys think is "strong," but from what I've read 5x5 is good to get strong, 5/3/1 is good to get stronger.

[bi0hazurd]

DC has just given me size boost. But seing as how ur supposed to use machines instead of many of the main lifts I've been losing strength in those. And my squat also sucked. What's the opinion on using 5/3/1 template for the 4 main lifts and doing DC style negative, rest pausing, beating the logbook and extreme stretches for accesory lifts such as iso movements back movements etc?

[SweetLou321]

the key of 5/3/1 is that the main movements are the most important.
ALL your other work is pretty much unimportant and should be used to bring up weak points in strength, size, what have you. Play around and keep what works. I say try it for a few cycles and see if your recovering and progressing well.

[Torobestia]

the key of 5/3/1 is that the main movements are the most important.
ALL your other work is pretty much unimportant and should be used to bring up weak points in strength, size, what have you. Play around and keep what works.

Yeah, and I think this is one of the reasons I didn't have great success with max effort work in the past - I didn't always attack my weak points (I did sometimes, but mostly by chance more than anything). So if possible I would recommend you lift with a spotter who will be able to notice where your form breaks down with harder/heavier lifts. Based on this you can select the appropriate accessory work.

[bi0hazurd]

I would like to see if this template is ok

Workout a
Squat protocol
Leg curls DC style
Sumo Leg press DC style

Workout B
Bench protocol
Bent over rows 5x5
Dips 3x5

Workout C
Deadlift Protocol
Barbell curls DC style
Chinups 3x5

Workout D
Overhead press protocol
Longbar cable pulldowns DC style
Closegrip bench DC style