Individualized Training

[Krueg]

When it comes to choosing a weight lifting program there really is no "Magical" program. Every program is basically a spin off from another program because more experienced guys figure out what works best for them and their needs. I see most guys on the SoSuave community preaching strength training and bash bodybuilding. I will agree that a strength training program is great for beginners. Though when you look at a strength training program such as 5x5, there are actually several 5x5 programs. As far as my knowledge goes, Reg Park created the 5x5 program. Now you got other 5x5 programs such as Stronglifts, Bill Starr, Mad Cow, Mark Rippetoe and ect. Same type of method but each program has some small differences. Why? Because of Individualized training, these guys took a program tried it for themselves, maybe felt this exercises wasnt the best for them and replaced it or whatever to help them meet their goals.

This is how Individualized training works. Now, for your "Newer Lifters" I'm not saying switch your program, change the exercises and or f*ck up the program. All beginners need to start out with the basics and build up a foundation.

What I want to get across to other guys, who have some lifting experience. Is that you need to figure out what works for you! If squating 3 times a week is helping your squat, then squat 3 times a week. If benching 5 times a week is helping your bench, then bench 5 times a week.

Whatever it takes to get the job done to build strength or build muscle do what works for you. If doing 3x6 isnt working for you, try 4x8 or 5x10.

We all have different genetics, body types and goals. Just because someone said doing X,Y and Z worked for them, doesnt mean it will work for you. This is the joy of individualized training, finding out what works for you!

If you want to train like a bodybuilder then I say go for it. If you want to train your biceps but, some gym rat or computer nerd tells you not to.. They can f*ck off!

If something is working for you, why change it? If something isnt working for you experiment with something else.

You dont have to be awesome on just the Big 3, why not be awesome everywhere else and be big and strong all around?

I can use myself as an example. I started out with the whole starting strength routine. As I continued lifting and getting stronger I decided to step my game up and turned to Powerlifting. Even though I follow the main guidelines to the program, I still have to look at which exercises are helping me or not helping me and adjust accordingly.

You dont have to stick to just one method or one theory or do what everyone else is doing.

That is all.

Good Luck!

 

[cuzza]

Bang on. Train for your goals, not what others tell you.

If your goal is strength, get on SS/SL or something, then move onto 5/3/1 or the like when you stagnate. If your goal is aesthetics, get on a bodybuilding split.

For me, it's a bit of both. SS and SL and the like just don't make sense for me, though I can see their use. I see them as just setting yourself up for an imbalance. I've made the mistake of not training my rear and side delts directly and I'm now making up for that, both in lack of size and shoulder pain. Arms are also lagging behind my torso.
As long as you're progressively getting stronger, you're doing fine. It's 5/3/1 main lift followed by bodybuilding style stuff for me.

 

[Krueg]

Bang on. Train for your goals, not what others tell you.

If your goal is strength, get on SS/SL or something, then move onto 5/3/1 or the like when you stagnate. If your goal is aesthetics, get on a bodybuilding split.

For me, it's a bit of both. SS and SL and the like just don't make sense for me, though I can see their use. I see them as just setting yourself up for an imbalance. I've made the mistake of not training my rear and side delts directly and I'm now making up for that, both in lack of size and shoulder pain. Arms are also lagging behind my torso.
As long as you're progressively getting stronger, you're doing fine. It's 5/3/1 main lift followed by bodybuilding style stuff for me.

Agreed, I'm also running 5/3/1 just using the powerlifting percentages.

I think SS or SL is great for beginners to understand the compound movements and gain some strength to build a foundation. But, there comes a time where you have to train the weaker arears so you dont have muscle and strength imbalances like you mentioned.

Though on the flip side, bodybuilding seems to be frowned upon around here. I personally met some natural bodybuilders and Yes, bodybuilding programs worked for them. They may not be strong as someone training for strength but they have awesome bodys.

I think it mainly comes down to the individual and how much they want it, not necessarily the program...