Where do the compounds fit in

[MyMusclesHurt]

I have 3 years of lifting expirence but have just started writing my own programs. My question is where within the workout do you place your compound lift? On, say, Back & Bicep day I will typically do Deadlifts, 5x5 (after lighter multiple warm up sets ) followed by all ( about 8- 9 total) exercises covering the back and biceps at 3x8-12. I like/ need to go very heavy on the Deadlift especially. The problem is if I do it first I'm pretty well spent for the rest of the workout. If I do the compound last I feel I can't give it my all. For sure it is more obvious ( for me) with deads but still a factor with the other compound lifts. What are your feelings and expiriences.

[Jtbny]

I do them first...always. I'd rather dump 80% of my energy into deadlifts than bicep curls. I don't think I would be at full strength and energy levels if I do them last.

If it works for you then I'd continue with what works until it stops working.

[Karl_Hungus]

Do the compounds first ... they are the prime muscle builders. You build a sh!tload more muscle putting your all into deadlifts than you do putting everything you have into bicep curls.

[WonderPug]

I do almost only compound movements so I fit them in between catching my breath.

[-=FLEX=-]

My routine is almost all compound lifts. I do maybe 4 or 5 isolation movements pre week max.

And if you're doing 8-9 exercises a workout that is way too much, IMHO.

What's your routine look like?

[EjnarKolinkar]

The compounds are priority in my plan. If I am gassed for an isolation exercise that is OK in my book. So in my case I usually put my weakest compound first.

[azstrengthcoach]

Compound lifts should be the foundation of your program. Isolation should always be second

[DuracellBunny]

Compounds first, as already stated. There are many reasons for it, but people will just start arguing every detail to try and show how much they know/can google if we post reasons.

Just think of it as large to small, get all your big stuff done and then move down the order.

[MyMusclesHurt]

Great Stuff, Thanks. I've been doing compounds first and it's been working out great, more weight on the bar and more muscle on me! I've been feeling guilty about not finishing ( or finishing poorly) the rest of my 8-9 other exercises. Maybe I need to trim them a bit.
Thanks again everyone

[-=FLEX=-]

I've been feeling guilty about not finishing ( or finishing poorly) the rest of my 8-9 other exercises. Maybe I need to trim them a bit.

Why so many exercises?

[Cleveland33]

You definitely should trim it back a bit - or at least try to and see if you like it.

One of the best pieces of advice I got is that you should do two barbell lifts before you do anything else. IE pick your primary compound lift and an assistant lift for it. Go heavy on those and anything after is going in the lighter weight/higher rep range.