What program to do after Stronglifts 5x5

This is a short overview of the Texas method, Madcow 5x5 and Jim Wendler 531 program which are popular programs to follow the Stronglifts 5x5 program. This is not a full list or extensive list of all the programs, but rather a short overview for you to dive deeper from.  

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Stronglifts with machines

Overall I think that doing Stronglifts 5x5 with machines is missing the point of the program. The only justifications I can think of to do it with machines is lack of technique or medical record. For the first, just have faith and put in the work to learn the lifts. For the second, if your age or medical record does not allow for lifting free weights than stay away from it. You probably need professional advise on your program anyway and I'd doubt that it is a good idea to download something from the internet and just go with it...

Stronglifts for powerlifting

All in all Stronglifts 5x5 is only an option for powerlifters who are very early in their career and even then it might not be the optimal option if you are fully committed to the specific lifting that comes with being a powerlifter. If you are still on the fence on what you want to do in the gym or want to postpone the decision whether you go for for strength or muscle mainly, 5x5 is a very good middle way to travel down.

Stronglifts for intermediates

Generally speaking Stronglifts was designed for novices and beginners, not for intermediate lifters. Therefore Stronglifts might not be the ideal fit for you. Check in this articöle whether you are an intermediate or not and if you should consider Stronglifts 5x5.

How to bench press for Stronglifts

All in all the most important bit is to take it step by step, know your goals and keep good form for Stronglifts. Good form includes a straight bar path, keeping your ass on the bench and pausing on the chest. I have included further tips in this post, which are especially of interest to people who want to build a strong bench press first and grow muscle second. 

Stronglifts for bulking?

Genrally Stronglifts is not the ideal program for building a lot of mass quick, if that is your goal. If you want to clean bulk and accomapny that by a well rounded multi purpose lifting program as a beginner, 5x5 is a solid and widely tested choice. 

How long should I do Stronglifts 5x5 ?

All in all in the most scenarios, which is that you are a beginner doing this program, you will do it for 6 - 12 months. In other scenarios you will do 5x5 for the time that you can afford (off season) or until you have reached your goals (active recovery from injury).

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When does Stronglifts 5x5 get hard?

There are several factors going into this, but I personally think your fitness level, age, diet, lifting, sleep and bodyweight will be part of the equation of when Stronglifts 5x5 gets hard.

What to do on off days for Stronglifts

The more experienced you are, the more you can do on off days on Stronglifts 5x5. Asking this question you are most likely a beginner. As a beginner, you should rest on rest days unless explicitly told otherwise by your personal trainer. Gradually increase your workload on off days once you get more advanced.

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What equipment should i use for Stronglifts 5x5 ?

The basic things to use for Stronglifts 5x5 are a gym membership, barbell, lifting shoes and a belt. I personally feel like the wrist wraps are optional. However you do not need any equipment to start apart from a gym membership to start.