So many people say 5x5 is bad for size gains.

[JP1994]

How many of you guys have had good size gains from 5x5 training?

And how many of you currently use a bodybuilding split and grow better?

[silentbob]

5x5 is not intended as a way to get big, it is there to get strong which can be a foundation for getting bigger. The stronger you are, the bigger you can get by introducing more volume work. Let's be honest, no-one got big from high volume work with the pink dumbells!

[JP1994]

Yes but, is it good for size before I continue doing any more of it.

[Mehdi]

Yes but, is it good for size before I continue doing any more of it.

What is size? Gaining weight? You want to gain weight, you need to eat more. Strength training is only the stimulus to convert that food into muscle. But caloric excess is necessary to gain weight.

[kcker]

Let's be honest, no-one got big from high volume work with the pink dumbells!

JP - whats your history with weights?

did other programs failed your expectations after long and smart regime (food, rest, workout) ?

i myself believe that 5x5 is the core of everything....its in between max endurance, strength, muscle building. just look at the exercises alone. then try them and you will definitely want to reach that or this number (kg) in those lifts.

you cant go wrong by starting here.
if you have absolutely no results (omg) within 6 months...at least your technique will be solid and your welcome to move on with another program.

[JP1994]

I dont want to end up empty handed.

[kcker]

if you workout you cant end up empty handed.

if you dont believe deadlifts, squats, bench presses etc. give great results, what you think does?

there is no secret to achieve something, you will have to workout and you will eventually force yourself to deadlift, squat and BP. those lifts are the core of the core program

[kilo1]

I get compliments on my physique. Don't worry dude, when you lift heavy, you'll look like it too. I used to do 3x5, but after switching to 5x5 I think my physique has benefited some from the increased volume.

Also, having a good strength foundation allows you to pump out 12 reps at a much higher weight later on. 5x5 is a really good starting point.

[JP1994]

But I'm talking about size, it's what I want more than strength, if I eat around 4 thousand calories a day and stick to 5x5, will I gain size?

[kcker]

JP - it would help to know your stats - age, weight.

[JP1994]

I'm 15 180, 5"8.

I'm skinny fat atm around 17-20% body fat.
I want to bulk for one more month then cut.

[MillerMan]

I dont want to end up empty handed.

I think you will get nothing but great reviews for Stonglifts 5x5 from this forum. I had done split sets, reps of 10, iso exercises in the past and I have gained more muscle, weight and overall size by following the Stronglifts program and eating excess calories. Focusing on the major compound movements will give you better results than a bunch of iso exercises. You will lift heavier weights and hit more muscles & muscle groups by focusing on the compound lifts. That and eating more than you would normally is the key!!!
Just think. Bench Press hits the shoulders, pecs and triceps mainly. Pullups hit the shoulders, back, latts and biceps. Would you gain more size doing heavy lifts on these two exercises or doing iso exercises for you biceps, triceps, shoulders, chest, latts...? You get the point. You will get stronger, build bigger muscles, lift more weight and save time by following the Stonglifts Philosophy. It just makes sense.
IMO give Stonglifts at least 3 months and decide for yourself. You won't be disappointed!

[JP1994]

thanks, I'm scared of not growing. I am around 178 atm, and I want to get up to 180 by the end of feb so I can cut for summer.

[kcker]

JP, you have a lot of time...so really, do compounds. you will build bigger and thicker frame. More muscles involved in lifting = more energy used = heavier weights can be lifted = more overall muscle breakdown = more food you need to feed them = more weight.

Basically you need to train the big muscles - legs, back and bench press really hits your front muscles.

squats alone will boost your strength, growth hormones and confidence. its not same as feeling a burn or pump in biceps, its like fighting a crocodile.

P.S.
who said 5x5 is bad for size gains?

it could only appear that way, because there wont be one single muscle standing out between others...you yourself will become a beefy muscle. true story btw

[JP1994]

Everyone on bodybuilding.com.

lol and thanks man, boost my confidence about stronglifts I'm going to cut now til june then get bulking again.

No cardio low carbs, should get ripped up pretty fast, I know it sounds silly at 180, just I need to get out of skinny fat.