Should we apply the same concept of 5x5 for bicep curls

[22Alpha]

and the likes of other exercises like shoulder press, reverse curls, etc?

[luco]

No. Since we don't use them we should not . Are you on the SL5x5 program? What's your strength level and body stats? Why are you doing reverse curls?

[Zendefone]

I think maybe they are not core lifts but assistance lift so the concept would be different i guess. For example, assistance work usually uses higher reps.

[Eivind]

I do two sets of 10 on assistance exercises such as fat bar reverse curls(for grip strength mainly) and lunges. Havn't been doing them long enough to give a personal opinion, but try to stick around that range. Don't put too much focus on assistance, since they're simply there to supplement the main lifts.

[luco]

The assistance work in for example Madcow's 5x5 is usually 3 sets of 8. But this is an intermediate program. I think too much assistance work can be detrimental to progress for beginners. Focus on the big lifts.

[Mehdi]

Progressive loading works best with compounds, not with isolation stuff.

[wrenchhands]

The word "Curls" was uttered. The room grew silent. Audible gasps were uttered. The sound of 15 fleet footed strength trainers was the last thing 22alpha heard before his demise.

[22Alpha]

I'm doing SL 5x5...kinda. The reason why I asked this question is because in between sets, sometimes I must wait for the rack, so I do some curls here and there.

My routine is that of SL 5x5...but I do everything.

My workout:
Squat
Deadlift
OHP
Bench Press
Chin-Ups
T-Rows
Abs Exercise

[luco]

What's your body and strength stats? Sounds like way too much volume to me. Forget about all that assistance, you're doing too much as is. How much time does that take you? That's 35 sets, not counting the assistance stuff..

Have you tried the program the way it's meant to be used? The main reason people don't make progress on programs that work wonders for others is cause they want to do everything at once and change it to their liking. Why try to reinvent the wheel? You can choose to change things once you have a basic knowledge of what works and what doesn't. For that you have to try something that has been proven to work first.

[Sam277]

First of all, too much voume in that program, i'd switch to sl5x5, it's a solid program, as long as you put 100% intensity in to it, (this part is more important than the program)!

Now, onto your question. MY opinion, is that the biceps do need direct training. Now, people will get results differently, but the way i make my biceps to really feel the burn is to do sets of 8 until i can't curl anymore, with a weight heavy enough to make you need to put momentum into the last curl. I think volume is important for biceps.

Try it for yourself, what ever is the most strenuous is often the best.

[22Alpha]

My stats based on the last workout:

BW: 55kg

Squat:40kg
Deadlift:67.5kg
OHP:30kg
Bench:40kg
T-Rows:35kg
Chin-ups:14,7,5

My training log http://stronglifts.com/forum/22alpha-s-training-log-war-room-t20339.html.

[JasonLB]

Please just follow the program as it is written. If you want to curl, fine, just throw in a few sets, but your focus should be on getting your core lifts up. Again, follow the program, or one like it, as it is written -- just because you are using a 5 x 5 rep scheme and squatting doesn't mean you are doing Stronglifts. What you are doing is going to get you nowhere fast.

[killerdude494949]

I have been training in a very similiar fashion to the OPs routine and I dont see any reason to shun that program. Just because you are going to mesh all lifts into one programs doesnt mean you'll have to do 5 sets of 5 on all exercises. I find that if I want to train like that, 2 or even just 1 intense but not to absolute failure set will suffice fine and you will be able to exceed your performance next workout. Exceeding previous performance = strength gain. Wheres the problem? And my weights are much higher than his as well.

[JasonLB]

The problem, unless I'm misunderstanding him, is that he's using a 5 x 5 rep scheme. there's nothing wrong with the exercise choices, but doing 5 x 5 is way too much volume.

[22Alpha]

Yes, I'm doing a 5x5 scheme (with exception to deadlifts of course).