Is a 5x5 program what I'm looking for?

Stats
Height: 6'2
Weight: 250-260 (Fluctuates)
Body Fat: 13-16% (Fluctuates as well)

Past PRs
Bench Press: 405x2
Squat: 415x3
Power Clean: 275x4 (Absolutely terrible form on these)
Deadlift: Never really kept track of PRs on these but I do many of heavier sets for less reps in the high 300s and low 400s.


Ok, a little history on my training. I've been lifting for about 6 years now, 4 years have been pretty serious. I've been doing what you'd call "classic" bodybuilding routines and splits along with workouts for football. This all seemed to work very well for the first few years. However, recently I've just pretty much stalled out completely. My lifts top out at pretty the same weights constantly. I don't seem to be adding any muscle mass either. Like I said, I'm pretty much stuck. I did a cycle this past year and saw excellent size and strength gains, which I've mostly maintained. However, I think a new workout routine could have pushed me even further.

Strength isn't really a huge concern for me now that I no longer play football. All I'm really concerned about is putting on muscle. I do realize that gaining mass and gaining strength are going to go hand in hand. So gaining strength is definately a pluss, but I'm not worried about setting any records in any lifts or anything like that.

I know all about caloric excess, deficit, etc, etc. My diet is good. When I'm trying to put on muscle I'm eating good quality calories in an amount excess to what I burn. I however believe that I'm just not training the right way. I'm not new to lifting or uneducated by any means. It just seems that the way I've been doing things doesn't seem to be the environment that my body is craving for growth.

I'm just wondering if the 5x5 routine would be worth a shot. I guess I've somewhat answered my own question while typing this. If what I'm doing has stopped working, why not try something new, right? Perhaps I should start a journal on here as well =D



Long post, so props to any bros who read and reply!

big_aug said:

I'm just wondering if the 5x5 routine would be worth a shot. I guess I've somewhat answered my own question while typing this. If what I'm doing has stopped working, why not try something new, right?

Click to expand...

Haha, that's exactly what I was thinking as I read through it. I'd be very surprised if you didn't put quite a bit of distance between your squat/dead and bench PRs on a run of the program. And, since you're concerned about size, that would probably come with some good leg growth as well with enough food (which you already know about).

Yea, I pretty much convinced myself to do it while typing that. I'll most likely be starting the first week of July. I'll get my 5RM's the week before and give it a go. I'll start a journal on here as well. I'm excited!

5x5 Is tried and tested when it comes to putting on size, i put on a nice lump of size on my first ever run. And a little more on the run after that. Will you be doing single or dual factor ? Either way it will be interesting to see if you put on any size considering you allready have 6 years of training under your belt, plus those good stats. I say start a journal, they are good motivation for yourself and outhers.

Give the 5x5 a try and keep a journal here.

I suggest single-factor if it's your first time through. Good luck and I'm looking forward to reading the journal.