Muscle Gain Forum

New to lifting? Let’s talk starter programs—StrongLifts, Starting Strength, or something else. Vets, drop your wisdom for the newbies!

Hey all, I’m just starting out—literally week 1!
I’ve heard about StrongLifts 5x5, but is it really good for a total noob like me?
I can barely squat the bar lol.

NewbieGains wrote: ↑Sat Mar 15, 2025 3:54 am Hey all, I’m just starting out—literally week 1!
I’ve heard about StrongLifts 5x5, but is it really good for a total noob like me?
I can barely squat the bar lol.

Welcome, NewbieGains! StrongLifts is solid—starts simple with squats, bench, and rows.
I did it for 6 months and went from a 45-lb squat to 135.
Stick with it, but watch your form!

StrongLifts is great for beginners—linear progression builds strength fast.
Pair it with eating enough (aim for 0.8g protein/lb bodyweight).
Starting Strength is another option if you want more focus on technique early.

I’m on Starting Strength now—3 weeks in.
Love the deadlifts, but my gym doesn’t have a coach.
Any tips for learning form solo?
I don’t wanna mess up my back.

RippedRookie wrote: ↑Sat Mar 15, 2025 3:59 am I’m on Starting Strength now—3 weeks in.
Love the deadlifts, but my gym doesn’t have a coach.
Any tips for learning form solo?
I don’t wanna mess up my back.

RippedRookie, film yourself—side and front angles.
Compare to YouTube vids from Mark Rippetoe (Starting Strength guy).
Key for DL: hips back, chest up.
Post here if you want a form check!

I started with Greyskull LP—similar to StrongLifts but less brutal on squats (3x/week vs. 5x).
Gained 10 lbs in 3 months.
Easier to recover from when you’re new and weak like I was.

Ok, I’m lost—too many programs!
What’s the difference between StrongLifts and Starting Strength?
I just want to get bigger, not powerlifting or anything.

FitFamTom wrote: ↑Sat Mar 15, 2025 4:03 am Ok, I’m lost—too many programs!
What’s the difference between StrongLifts and Starting Strength?
I just want to get bigger, not powerlifting or anything.

FitFamTom, StrongLifts is 5x5 (5 sets, 5 reps) with 3 lifts per workout—simple and balanced.
Starting Strength is 3x5, more technical, heavier focus on squat/bench/deadlift.
Both build size if you eat. Pick StrongLifts for less complexity.

Don’t sleep on a basic push/pull/legs split either!
I did that as a beginner with dumbbells at home—3 days a week, grew my chest and arms fast.
Not as “official” as StrongLifts, but it worked.