Is there any reason I shouldn't.......

[Jasonhannen]

I am starting to plan ahead and have 6 weeks of 5x5 SL left before I need to change my routine.

What should I be considering when deciding on a new routine?

I quite like the idea of the following but it is not based on any theory other than I like the look of it

Week One Stronglifts all over workout 3 times a week
Week Two Light-Medium Lifts 4 times a week High Reps/sets altenrating between back&bicep&core chest&tricep&shoulders
Week Three 5 Compound days = one day bicep, one day chest, one day shoulders etc
THEN REPEAT THE CYCLE

Is there any reason I shouldn't train this way? If so what factors do I need to consider to ensure I choose the right programme and cycles?

[mrwright]

Sounds abit like the routine i was following before i had to stop the gym, HIML-4 Maximum muscle building

Week 1 - heavy week on 5-7 range and compound exercises
week 2 - intensity, slow negs, drop sets trainin to failure etc
week 3 - medium week 10-12 reps compounds and machines
and week 4 light, 15-20 reps and alot of isolation

was good for me when i did it, the slightly lighter weeks would be kind of like a working rest from the heavy lifting


you have to find what works for you, if it does then it's all good, if not try something else

but no reason that i can see

[Deviation]

I quite like the idea of the following but it is not based on any theory other than I like the look of it

That's the reason you shouldn't. I would look to another round of SL, SL Advanced, or MadCow. There's also 5/3/1 which is my personal favorite. But with that, you need to read and read some more because of the many variations.

[Jimmy0]

Any particular reason you are switching from SL5x5? Stopped seeing results, bored, or... ?

[Jasonhannen]

Any particular reason you are switching from SL5x5? Stopped seeing results, bored, or... ?

Hi Jimmy

Thanks for your interest in my question,

I am seeing good results with 5x5 however I am starting to get a little bored with it and by the times 12 weeks is up I definitely think I would need a change for mental stimulation.

I also miss the feeling I got when working a muscle group in isolation.

Being as my goal is to lose fat and build muscle (I appreciate that is on of the hardest goals) I feel I should be doing more than 5sets 5reps, I really would like to dedicate more focus on a particular muscle group during a session.

[Jimmy0]

Hi Jimmy

Thanks for your interest in my question,

I am seeing good results with 5x5 however I am starting to get a little bored with it and by the times 12 weeks is up I definitely think I would need a change for mental stimulation.

I also miss the feeling I got when working a muscle group in isolation.

Being as my goal is to lose fat and build muscle (I appreciate that is on of the hardest goals) I feel I should be doing more than 5sets 5reps, I really would like to dedicate more focus on a particular muscle group during a session.

That is pretty much the answer I expected! I know a few people who couldn't fathom only doing 5 exercises for months on end.

Rather than doing the three week cycle you suggested I think I would go for something like 5/3/1 and then add in the isolation exercises at the end of each workout. That way you are following a more structured routine, and hitting both compound and isolation exercises, which should help keep things fresh and interesting for you.

[Jasonhannen]

That's the reason you shouldn't. I would look to another round of SL, SL Advanced, or MadCow. There's also 5/3/1 which is my personal favorite. But with that, you need to read and read some more because of the many variations.

Okay two recommendations for 5/3/1 From Jimmy and Deviation so it looks like that is going to be my next cycle after 5x5. I better get reading up on the programme.

There is stuff I want to try and think I should be doing but the facts are I haven't seen good results until I started a 5x5 programme so I should stick to a proven format.

[Deviation]

Here's a few sites to get you started:
http://www.t-nation.com/free_online_article/sports_body_training_performance/how_to_build_pure_strength
http://www.t-nation.com/free_online_article/most_recent/531_reloaded
http://www.t-nation.com/strength-training-topics/1316
http://www.muscleandstrength.com/wor...ng-system.html
http://theswole.com/concept/531-jim-wendlers-theory-of-strength/

THE ACTUAL BOOK --> http://store.jimwendler.com/ProductD...de=5312edebook

I really suggest buying the 2nd edition book. He expanded quite a bit on assistance work and added new variants. The book goes into more detail than any site out there.

And of course some pre-configured routines:
Boring But Big: http://www.jefit.com/routines/workou...se.php?id=8838
The Triumvirate: http://www.jefit.com/routines/workou...se.php?id=8839
Assistance Programming: http://www.jefit.com/routines/workou...e.php?id=10495

[Jasonhannen]

Great articles I will invest some more time reading thanks

BTW what does deload mean?

[Jasonhannen]

And of course some pre-configured routines:
Boring But Big: http://www.jefit.com/routines/workou...se.php?id=8838
The Triumvirate: http://www.jefit.com/routines/workou...se.php?id=8839
Assistance Programming: http://www.jefit.com/routines/workou...e.php?id=10495

did you configure the routines so they are easier to track on JEFIT?