TL;DR – 5x5 gets you strong, not fit

SL 5x5 is a Shit Program

A lot of guys on here are making the move to start lifting. They ask for programs and usually get told to start with SL 5x5. I too spent my first year of lifting doing 5x5, and I sure as hell benefited from it, but that doesn’t mean the program was good.

 

Strong Lifts 5x5 is a strength-oriented program. Unless you personally value getting stronger, I’d suggest going with a hypertrophy-oriented program instead (one that focuses on developing muscle mass.) 5x5 is only three times a week, which is far from optimal for building muscle. If you want better visual results, I’d suggest hitting the gym 4-6 times a week and upping the rep range from 5 per set to the 8-12 range. The increase in frequency will most certainly speed the development of muscle mass, and probably aid in losing weight as well.

 

The only redeeming quality of 5x5 in my opinion is that lifting 3x a week seems more inviting to rookie lifters. Besides that, I’d consider shifting your priorities from strength to hypertrophy. I understand that this is a matter of preference, but I would presume that the majority of RPers would have more interest in their aesthetic development than what 5x5 has to offer.

LL: Determine your goals and consider a hypertrophy program.