Digging the compound lifts

[Jodie10]

After two months of adding some heavy compound lifts I have to say I wish I had started doing them years ago. Huge changes in just two months: deadlifts have to be my new favorite. My bum is higher and tighter than before, and my abs have also tightened up. More so in just two months than the endless string of isolation exercises for glutes and abs I did for years.

Thanks to everyone here for helping me discover my new passion for weightlifting!

Add your favorites-maybe someone else can benefit.

[Spark77]

Started Stronglifts 5x5 a few weeks ago. I'm loving the heavy compound lifts, too. It's like, "Where have you been all my life?" And they've been there all along!

I have to wonder why this mode of lifting still seems to be such a "secret" among so many people?

It's hard for me to pick a favorite exercise. Each one is either something I naturally gravitate to or something that's a challenge I want to work on. So I like them all.

Just have to make sure to eat plenty of food and get lots of sleep while doing this stuff!

[Jodie10]

I've noticed my abs working so hard with the compound lifting I've cut way back on my ab isolation exercises-I even feel them doing bench flyes and presses.

I don't know why heavy lifting is such a secret either, except that all women who don't lift are afraid of bulking... I've been working hard trying to bulk for the last three months and it is hard!! So hard!! to bulk at all.

[leeniepie]

I found this really interesting. I have been doing a 4 day split and feel a bit stuck. I have thought of doing something like stronglifts but people have said it didn't make sense since my goal is add mass and it is a strength programme not a hypertrophy one. however I've been wondering if my being stuck is due to me not being strong enough to progress with more weight, seeing as I've never done a strength programme?
its good to hear you two have had good results with these programmes.

[Jodie10]

I found this really interesting. I have been doing a 4 day split and feel a bit stuck. I have thought of doing something like stronglifts but people have said it didn't make sense since my goal is add mass and it is a strength programme not a hypertrophy one. however I've been wondering if my being stuck is due to me not being strong enough to progress with more weight, seeing as I've never done a strength programme?
its good to hear you two have had good results with these programmes.

Someone with more experience should chime in, personally I am adding 2-5 pounds every two weeks and that is working. When the lifts feel easier (ie., I can complete all reps without struggling) I add a little more weight. I'm doing it to add mass and strength, not necessarily one or the other, and eating to support both goals.

[kimm4]

I found this really interesting. I have been doing a 4 day split and feel a bit stuck. I have thought of doing something like stronglifts but people have said it didn't make sense since my goal is add mass and it is a strength programme not a hypertrophy one. however I've been wondering if my being stuck is due to me not being strong enough to progress with more weight, seeing as I've never done a strength programme?
its good to hear you two have had good results with these programmes.

Why not play around with your rep ranges and enjoy the best of both worlds? I've always trained using rep ranges anywhere from 4-12. I focus on both power/hypertrophy in the same workout.

There are no set rules. I find I've made my best gains by always thinking and doing things outside the box.

[Spark77]

...feel a bit stuck.... however I've been wondering if my being stuck is due to me not being strong enough to progress with more weight, seeing as I've never done a strength programme?

That was *exactly* why I started stronglifts.

Why not play around with your rep ranges and enjoy the best of both worlds? I've always trained using rep ranges anywhere from 4-12. I focus on both power/hypertrophy in the same workout.

Thinking of going to PHUL after I'm done with SL (won't be for a while yet). It looks like a fun and interesting program.

[leeniepie]

Why not play around with your rep ranges and enjoy the best of both worlds? I've always trained using rep ranges anywhere from 4-12. I focus on both power/hypertrophy in the same workout.

There are no set rules. I find I've made my best gains by always thinking and doing things outside the box.

this is what ive been thinking too thanks for the reply