Agreed. Build up some strength, maybe double what you ever really need in your every day life, and everything just feels amazingly easy. It's like switching from an economy car to a sports car. Your body becomes fun to drive!
For anyone looking for a super easy to follow 2 day program, try Stronglifts 5x5. It's only big compounds movements (Squat, Deadlift, Bench Press, Overhead Press and Barbell Row).
You squat every workout which I find amazing. The first time I tried jumping to reach something high up after doing the program for 6 months, I almost lost my balance in the air because I wasn't expecting to go that high! It really builds up your base stats and then you can switch over to any program you like or keep building strength.
Stronglifts is a great program and the lifts in it are the basis for gaining strength and size. The 5x5 on deadlifts and squats soon start to get tough when the weight increases. I'd recommend Wendler 531 instead, I made much better progress with that.
This is part of what keeps me distant from weightlifting. Everyone you talk to offers a different routine (admittedly, almost all of them are some combination of squats, deadlifts, etc., all of which are workouts I struggle with).
I should probably apply the same process as I have with frontend web frameworks... just pick one and roll with it, it will "workout" in the end.
I think people put to much emphasis on the program to follow. The real secret to progression in the gym is dedication. The guy who shows up 4 times a week for a year doing his own made up program is going to look better than the guy doing the latest program they are recommending online for 2 months then giving up.There isn't any perfect system or quick answers so I find its best to just do exercises you enjoy and set yourself little mini goals and work towards them.
+1. For me personally the way to keep things interesting is working towards measurable goals. Another thing that works well is getting involved with organized sports, the downside is schedule and overall time investment.
Thanks for the reply - both you and all others. I've been struggling with asthma lately which was quite a set back, but I think that's only more of a reason to try and get into better shape.
Almost any program will work well for a beginner. Don't overthink it. The important part of weight lifting is using proper form. Other than that, it's really just about picking it up and putting it down.
Isn't it like which language you code in, all are pretty much going to work, and if you want your project finished you better pick one. If you want to be fit, pick one, you can't go wrong with picking a popular program and sticking with it.
I'm a big fan of 5/3/1 and Cube, but wouldn't recommend those (or any PL-oriented programs) to a complete noob especially if he/she is not looking to get into lifting per se.
Also, speaking from personal experience, "fitness" wise (and aesthetics as well) what works best for most ppl is mid-high rep type routine with plenty of bodyweight exercises thrown into the mix (esp pull ups and dips) + some cardio along the lines of the Jailhouse Strong program.
To [slightly] contradict myself :) - what PL-type routines do have going for them is measurable goals + constant progression.
My problem with Stronglift is that it's so boring. Nothing beats doing some isolated bicep curls. I know it's almost taboo here but that's what I recommend - feeling the blood rush into your muscles. You shouldn't stop doing squats, deadlifts etc but rather combine them with isolated exercises. I always look forward to the gym nowadays.
It gets boring after a while, no doubt about it. But for beginners, simply learning (really learning) to do the moves correctly will take a little while as they build up muscle memory and good habits. Once you're there and showing some good numbers, your body is ready for any program you like!
