[Anabasis to Desta]

(12-29-2015 11:01 PM)kinnikinik Wrote:  

Been doing 5x5 for about 6 months with a few weeks off in Oct followed by a big de-load. Which I thought was actually a major positive as I felt that my form and sloppy and because of that I was worried about injury. Overall, I've been quite happy with the program. I'm much stronger now than I was and am younger now than I was a few years ago, without doubt. Also, the app is excellent.

That being said. I DO have a question. With the 5 standard lifts, I'm liking the changes to my body but, while my triceps are growing, I don't see much bicep growth. I'm considering adding Barbell Curls on one day. Any thoughts? Alternatives?

Do it.

I never did Stronglifts 5x5, but started out with Starting Strength which is pretty much the same program. After about half a year on that program my muscle imbalances became palpable. Ended up looking like a T-Rex with huge quads while my biceps remained the same size. I would fill out a medium slim fit V-neck except around the arms.

Mehdi looks down on bodybuilding routines and admits he's been doing his Stronglifts routine with no modification for years. This is what he looks like ...



Not a bad physique by any means but his arms are tiny. He points out that BB rows are sufficient for back development which is clearly not the case. His lats are non-existent due to the lack of vertical pulling exercises like Lat pulldowns which gives him that blocky look. His glutes and quads are huge while his hamstrings are lagging.

Instead of barbell curls do 3 sets of hammer curls and 3 sets of 45 degree incline dumbell supinated grip curls so you hit each bicep head separately. Throw in some pullups/lat pulldowns twice a week. I'd also add facepulls to the routine to bring out your rear delts but most importantly help with your posture which tends to get worse on 5x5 programs.

Also if you tend to be on the taller side with a thin, wire like physique with long limbs and small joints ... i wouldn't do a traditional strength routine like 5x5. Guys with naturally broad shoulders, shorter limbs and thicker wrist sizes however have done very well on this program.