HST or SST for me ?

B

Blizz

New Member
Hello guys,

I'm 41 yo, 5'10", 195 lbs

I never really trained in my life (I'm a software programmer) but I have a pretty well defined physique (good pecs, arms, lats, quads and calves). Many ppl I encounter ask me if I workout but I don't.

My problem is, even if I look to have a great shape, I'm pretty weak. I can barely do 3x8 of bench presses with 80 lbs or 3x8 squats with 40 lbs. Pretty weird huh ?

So my main question is this: should I go with HST or SST ?

Thanks in advance

Blizz
 
Although some people seem to disagree, I believe that getting the book Starting Strength and following the beginners workout in it is a great way to build strength in the major lifts while learning good form.
 
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(soflsun @ May 18 2008,1:46)</div><div id="QUOTEHEAD">QUOTE</div><div id="QUOTE">What are your goals?</div>
Blizz, soflsun has a point. It is important to decide what your goal will be. When working out (lifting weights), both strength and size are results, but you can focus on one or the other. You'll end up with both.
I suggested SS because I assumed that since you said you have a good, well defined physique and little strength, you'd be interested in getting stronger.
 
<div>
(electric @ May 18 2008,8:00)</div><div id="QUOTEHEAD">QUOTE</div><div id="QUOTE">I suggested SS because I assumed that since you said you have a good, well defined physique and little strength, you'd be interested in getting stronger.</div>
That is what I assumed as well.

I would also agree on the Starting Strength program. For sure buy the book even if you aren't going to follow the program!
 
<div>
(Blizz @ May 17 2008,8:24)</div><div id="QUOTEHEAD">QUOTE</div><div id="QUOTE">Hello guys,

I'm 41 yo, 5'10&quot;, 195 lbs

I never really trained in my life (I'm a software programmer) but I have a pretty well defined physique (good pecs, arms, lats, quads and calves).  Many ppl I encounter ask me if I workout but I don't.

My problem is, even if I look to have a great shape, I'm pretty weak.  I can barely do 3x8 of bench presses with 80 lbs or 3x8 squats with 40 lbs.  Pretty weird huh ?

So my main question is this:  should I go with HST or SST ?

Thanks in advance

Blizz</div>
You should lift weights. The details don't matter at your level.
 
You're 41 yo and people think you work out? Go with SST.

Size and strength are not polar opposites. They are the visible result of biological changes that occur with training. Many of these changes are the same for both goals.

The 5 x 5 programs have been around for decades because they work and they are easy to understand. This makes 5x5s great for a novice. You can't go wrong with Starting Strength. Eat nutritious food and you'll be lifting heavier weights (and getting more complements) in no time.

<div></div><div id="QUOTEHEAD">QUOTE</div><div id="QUOTE">You should lift weights. The details don't matter at your level.</div>

I think what SM is trying to say is not to agonize over the question of what program to follow. That's decent advice. But I still think SST is the better bet. Four time Mr. Olympian Dorian Yates was known for his strength. So is Ronnie Coleman, who had a powerlifting (SST) background before he became a bodybuilder. He's a 9 time Mr. Olympia. There are many other bodybuilding champions who use SST like methods in order to get bigger. Steroids or not, its clearly a successful strategy.
 
Thanks guys!

Just bought Starting Strength by Mark Rippetoe

Will follow that for about 6 months to see

Will try to take pics before and after this period and take starting and ending weights and measurements.

Thanks again
smile.gif


Blizz
 
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(Blizz @ May 21 2008,6:36)</div><div id="QUOTEHEAD">QUOTE</div><div id="QUOTE">Will try to take pics before and after this period and take starting and ending weights and measurements.</div>
A wise plan! Try to take pics and measurements monthly. Otherwise you may not appreciate how much your body will change.
 
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