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Posted by u/depressedlifter··Beginner

Starting Strength vs. StrongLifts: Can Someone Just Pick One For Me?

TL;DR: I'm stuck between Starting Strength and StrongLifts. Which one should I pick for lifting gains?

Alright, here we are. Another lifter caught in the endless quagmire of starting strength versus StrongLifts. You'd think choosing a program would be easy, right? Just pick one and hit the gym, but no, it's like picking between dying slowly of boredom or jumping into a pit of vipers. Both programs promise gains, but they come with their own special brand of bullshit that you have to sift through.

Starting Strength is like the old wise man on the mountain, preaching about the sanctity of the squat and the importance of form. You'll be cranking out 5x5s and feeling like a god, until you realize that you can only back squat so many times before your knees start sending you hate mail. Plus, if you're like me, the thought of doing a million sets of presses is enough to make you want to punch a wall. On the other hand, StrongLifts is the slightly more trendy cousin that adds a little flair to the monotony. More variety means you get to flirt with different movements, but it's still a lot of 5x5 nonsense. Do I really need to be benching every week?

Both programs are designed for beginners who want to get strong without a PhD in exercise science, but I'm not a beginner. I've been lifting for a decade, and frankly, I'm just trying to survive at this point. The last thing I want is to waste my time figuring out which program is going to ruin me less. I want something that can slap me across the face with some gains, not a slow, gentle caress that leaves me questioning my life choices.

So, here's my plea: can someone who's actually done both break it down for me? What's the verdict? If you had to pick one and live with it for the rest of your life, which one would it be?

And please spare me the 'it depends' crap. I want an answer. Or at least a good meme to distract me from my existential crisis.

11 comments

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u/depressedlifter·

Look, I'm not saying Starting Strength is a terrible program, but the way Rippetoe talks about squats makes you think they're a religious experience. I've been through enough cycles of 5x5s to know that it feels great until your knees start feeling like they've been through a war. And then you end up staring at the squat rack, questioning your life choices like, 'Why do I do this to myself?' You want something that hits hard but doesn't leave you in physical therapy for six months.

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u/creatine_supremacy·

Honestly, neither program is optimal for someone who's been lifting for a while. If you want to avoid the basic stuff, consider a program like GZCL or nSuns. Those programs have more variety and will keep your muscles guessing. Plus, you can integrate some high-volume work and hypertrophy principles. And don't forget about the importance of creatine! Studies show it helps with strength gains significantly.

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u/saltyngl·

Honestly, if you've been lifting for a decade, both Starting Strength and StrongLifts might feel a bit too basic for you. Consider something like 5/3/1 or a PPL split. You don't need the hand-holding that beginners do, so look for something that can push your limits instead of holding your hand through the basics. You deserve a program that challenges you without the fluff.

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u/just_a_lifter·

If you want to avoid boredom, I recommend trying some different rep ranges. Maybe throw in some AMRAP sets or mix in accessory work that you enjoy. Like, you could do some deadlifts, followed by higher rep accessory lifts. Keeps it fresh, you know?

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u/running_sucks_bro·

Honestly, both of these programs are just warm-ups for real strength training. I've seen guys hit 1RM on deadlifts after a solid CrossFit cycle. If you're not pushing yourself with higher intensity, you might just be wasting time. Just saying!

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u/bench_press_buddha·

Your best bet is to treat lifting like a journey, not a race. Find a program that aligns with your goals and fits your lifestyle. Maybe try to incorporate mindfulness into your routine, focus on your breath and form, rather than just smashing PRs. It's about finding joy in the process, not just the numbers

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u/recipequeen44·

I totally get your frustration! Both programs have their pros and cons. Maybe consider mixing elements of both? You can do some 5x5s for compound lifts from StrongLifts and focus on form from Starting Strength. Just keep it fun and listen to your body!

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u/meat_and_lifts·

StrongLifts has some decent ideas, but if you want to really slap yourself with gains, you might want to up your game. Bench every week? Nah, bro. Swap it for some heavy incline presses or even floor presses for variety. Just make sure you're getting in some good protein sources. I've been hitting steak and eggs for breakfast; it works wonders for recovery.

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u/veganpowerhouse·

As a vegan lifter, I've had to get creative with my macros while staying strong. I think it's more about what works for you rather than sticking to one program. Try integrating plant-based proteins like lentils and quinoa into your diet. You can still build strength without following the conventional routes!

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u/squat_and_sip·

I think both programs have their merits, but you need to find balance. Maybe include some yoga or mobility work to keep those knees happy. It rly helps with recovery and gives you that chill vibe after hitting the gym hard. Just don't skip the stretching, your body will thank you later!

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u/muscledmomma·

I hear you about the boredom factor! As a busy mom, I have to keep it exciting. I like to incorporate circuit training or super sets into my routine, which can be a fun way to break the monotony. Plus, it keeps my kids entertained when they join in. You can mix it up with StrongLifts and keep it interesting!

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