You may think that a program as simple as 5x5 needs no explanation. That is true to a certain extent, as I could tell you to do 5x5 and you would immediately know what to do. However, the program can be (and has been) interpreted in a variety of ways. So let’s take a look at the three main variations of the 5x5 muscle building workout program.
1. Straight setsThis is the classic interpretation of the program. Simply pick an exercise and a weight and stick with it for 5 sets, attempting to complete 5 reps each set. If you end up choosing too heavy of a weight to complete all 5 sets of 5 reps, then stick with that weight when you do the exercise next time. For example: 225x5, 225x5, 225x5, 225x4, 225x3. You are to use the same weight until you can complete 5 sets of 5 reps, and only then increase the weight.
2. Work UpThis variation allows you start with a lighter weight and work up over the 5 sets to your 5 rep maximum for the day. This means that the 5th set is your heaviest. Here is how this might look: 135x5, 185x5, 225x5, 275x5, 315x5.The next week you would come back and try to increase the weight on every set, but pay particular attention to increasing the weight on the 5th and final set.
3. Work Up and DownThis variation is similar to the previous, except that you work up in weight more quickly so that your heaviest set is your 3rd set. Once you hit your heavy third set, you decrease the weight for the 4th and 5th sets. For example: 185x5, 225x5, 275x5, 245x5, 225x5.The next week you would try to increase the weight on every set, but especially on sets 3, 4, and 5.
The 5x5 program is one of those classic muscle building workout programs that will never go out of style. There are endless variations of this program and each will have its own specific effects on strength and hypertrophy.
Always remember that any training program will only work for a short period of time, and 5x5 is no exception. For long-term, consistent results you need to know the science behind how to change your program over time and how to combine it with a complementary nutrition and recovery program to enhance your strength and muscle mass.
Muscle Building Workout Programs
Quick muscle building is the goal of every underweight guy who hits the gym and embarks on a weight training program for the first time. After all, who wants to wait years for the results? There are weight training routines designed specifically for muscle building that will have you gaining pounds of muscle mass in a short period of time.Muscle building workouts go hand in hand with the image of bodybuilders doing endless curls and bench presses out in California and on Muscle Beach. The problem is that these bodybuilders have two hours to train every day while the rest of us don't have that time.
In order to build muscle mass fast, you need to focus on the big, basic movements like squats, deadlifts, rows, dips, etc. You must put a lot of hard work into these exercises and increase your training poundages or you just won't grow.
Now, this is common knowledge to a lot of people ,but it's also where they run into problems because they get the other important factors wrong when tackling a muscle building program with these exercises. They do too many sets and they don't workout with enough intensity. So, you also have to shorten your workouts. No more two hour marathon programs that have you in the gym five days a week. Your body needs time to grow so the muscle building can take place. If you are training all the time, your body never has a chance to rest, recover, and build more muscle.
You can't neglect the role nutrition plays in building muscle mass. Far too many bodybuilders focus completely on their weight training programs and spend a lot of money on supplements. But they don't take care of their nutrition plan. They don't eat often enough, they don't eat the right things, they don't take in enough protein, and they don't eat nearly enough quality calories for building muscle muscle mass. You can't go hungry. If you're not full, eat! If you are underweight and trying to add muscle mass quickly, you are going to need a lot more calories than what you are currently taking in. For this program, it's not just quality that counts, but quantity as well.
Use Protein Powders - There is no excuse to skimp in this area. You need plenty of protein. Nowadays, most protein powders taste great and many are pretty inexpensive when compared to food. Mix your protein powder in whole milk or even half and half. Why? Quick muscle building! Whole milk and half and half have fat. You need fat to build muscle. It raises your testosterone, among other things. And you also get concentrated calories. Remember, you need quantity as much as quality. Get Plenty of Sleep Staying out late, partying, or just getting four to five hours a sleep a night isn't going to cut it. You have to make some sacrifices to build quality muscle mass.
Use an Effective Weight Training Program
Here's a program that, when used properly, will work!
You'll weight train three days per week for quick muscle building.
Day 1
Squat - Use a weight you normally use for 10 - 12 reps. Do twenty reps. Next week, add at least 5 pounds to the bar.
Day 2
Off
Day 3
Dips (if you don't have a place to do weighted dips, substitute the decline bench press, but do dips if you can). After a couple of warm up sets, do four sets to failure. On the last set, keep doing partial reps after you can't do another whole rep. If you can do 15 reps, add weight.
Day 4
Off
Day 5
Deadlifts - Perform a couple of warm up sets and then do 4 heavy sets of 10, 8, 6, and 4 reps.
Day 6
Off
Day 7
Off
For quick muscle building, you need to add weight to your exercises as often as possible. When you're not working out, try to limit, if not eliminate for a short time, a lot of strenous activities, such as participation in athletics.
And don't forget to eat!
Give this quick muscle building program an honest try and you'll be pleased with the results.
Both Tony Schwartz & Nick Clipton are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Tony Schwartz has sinced written about articles on various topics from Fitness, Build Muscle and Fitness. Find more building workout programs and get a FREE report on. Tony Schwartz's top article generates over 60500 views. to your Favourites.
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