Changing my program to a 5x5
So, I have been on some sort of bodypart split for the past few years and seen relatively minimal gains. After doing some research, I believe that I have not yet outgrown the "beginner/novice" level. I am going to take a few steps back and do a 5x5 routine for the next 8-12 weeks. I will be following this program: [url]http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showthread.php?t=148036063[/url].
[B]Workout A[/B]
Squat: 5x5
Bench press: 5x5
BB Row: 5x5
BB shrug: 3x8
Skull crushers: 3x8
Chin ups: 3x5-8
Goodmornings: 2x10
Abs: 3x10-20
[B]Workout B[/B]
Squat: 5x5
Deadlifts: 1x5
Standing shoulder press: 5x5
BB Row: 5x5
CGBP: 3x8
Straight bar or incline curl: 3x8
Abs: 3x10-20
I'm going to start at 75% of my 1RMs below:
Bench: 265
Squat: 295
Deadlift: 340
Thoughts on first month of bulking
Just watched the video series below on making lean gains, which mentioned that a beginner lifter should only be gaining 2-3 lbs of muscle per month at most, and an intermediate 1-2 lbs of muscle per month at most. I gained over 5 lbs in one month. Thus, regardless of whether I am a beginner or an intermediate lifter, I gained too much. I [I]do[/I] feel a bit fatter. Perhaps, I need to take my calories down.
The series also recommended keeping cardio even during gaining phases. I think I may want to sprinkle in some cardio sessions.
All this change: my program, my calories, cardio...I want to only change a couple variables at once. I will not change my calories until I weigh in next. But, I will add cardio starting at one time per week.
[youtube]17EfPCAnAos[/youtube]