Comments on: Do You Make These 15 Common Mistakes on StrongLifts 5×5?

By: Aasfand

Aasfand — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 20:50:13 +0000

Hi great article Mehdi. I have a question. While doing the 5×5 routine do i use the same wight for all 5 reps or do i progress the weight to my max lift for example on bench press after doing a couple of warm up sets do i do 5reps of my maximum lift which is 150lbs or do i do 100 for my 1st rep, 115 for 2nd, 130 for 3rd and 150 for the 4th and 5th? I would really appreciate some feedback. thanks

By: Philip

Philip — Sun, 27 Apr 2008 21:59:34 +0000

Hi Mehdi, thanks for all this information.
Question:
1. At what intensity to train? To failure on all sets?
2. How should feel the last rep on squat exercise?
Thanks.
PS: starting tomorrow morning this program.

By: david dawn

david dawn — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 10:22:31 +0000

hello i’m on my 3rd week now starting tomorrow, i do tuesday thrusday and saturday I’ve increased every session so far. i’m expected a stall very soon. I think this is a good programm so far.

By: Mehdi

Mehdi — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 09:27:59 +0000

@Shoebox
Read the article on front squats vs. back squats

@Sinned Sevorg
You need to increase wrist/triceps flexibility. Check the Front Squat article, it has exercises.

By: Sinned Sevorg

Sinned Sevorg — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 21:08:55 +0000

On front squats, I really wanted to do these so that I wouldn’t have to jerk the weight to set it onto my back, but from what I can tell from the Riptoe book; I am not flexible in the wrist enough to do a front squat – it really, really starts to hurt (carpal tunnel in right hand) – and I really can’t focus on the lifting. Also; I find it very difficult to get the weights down from the front squat position. However, it seems like you could lift more without a cage with the front squat; and that your back position is better.

By: Shoebox

Shoebox — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 21:00:32 +0000

@Mehdi
Follow up questions . . .

Are there differences in the muscle groups worked when doing a front squat vs back squat ? Any technical/technique differences or ‘problems’ that are more prevalent with the front squat?

Are there advantages to doing the front squat vs the back squat or vice versa?

Again thanks for the site and the content, keep up the good work man!

By: Mehdi

Mehdi — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 20:04:44 +0000

@Ryan
If you start with front squats from the start, yes that’s ok. However don’t start alternating front squats with squats. Start with one version and stick to it, better for your technique.

By: Ryan

Ryan — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 17:12:41 +0000

@mehdi
I’m on my 3rd week of the 5×5 routine and I’ve been doing front squats instead of regular squats. I thought we had the option of what squat to do. Should I switch?

By: Mehdi

Mehdi — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 15:45:58 +0000

@Brad
The difference is that with a resistance band, you get help in the bottom position, but not much in the top part (resistance band shortens as you go up). So you get some initial help but not much at lockout. The machine helps you from start to finish.

@Shoebox
Substituting squats for front squats is ok in case you need to power clean the bar because you don’t have a squat rack.

By: Shoebox

Shoebox — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 14:48:23 +0000

@Mehdi

On point #3. You’re saying don’t add front squats to the routine, substituting a front squat for a traditional squat is acceptable correct?

Front squats are what I prefer as I used to power clean, which is probably my favorite lift, and I find the bars resting position to be more comfortable.

I can’t wait until I’m in shape enough to power clean again!!!