Lift5x5 vs StrongLifts: an honest app comparison
We make Lift5x5, so read this with that in mind. A fair head-to-head with the StrongLifts app: pricing, free features, platforms, and who wins where.
Strength Training Knowledge
Evidence-based guides on 5x5 training, proper form, programming, and everything you need to get stronger.
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5x5 vs PHUL: strength or size first?
5x5 is a 3-day beginner strength program; PHUL is a 4-day intermediate split blending power and hypertrophy. An honest decision framework by goal, training age, and recovery.
5x5 vs Madcow 5x5: when to make the switch
An honest comparison of classic linear 5x5 and Madcow 5x5. How they differ, the exact stall signal that means it's time to switch, and what changes.
5x5 vs nSuns 5/3/1: which should you run?
An honest comparison of StrongLifts 5x5 and the nSuns 5/3/1 LP. Who each program is for, how the volume and progression differ, and exactly when to switch.
Texas Method vs 5/3/1: which intermediate program?
An honest comparison of the two most common programs lifters run after 5x5 stalls. Texas Method's weekly grind versus 5/3/1's sustainable monthly waves.
Madcow vs Texas Method: which intermediate 5x5?
An honest comparison of the two classic programs lifters run after linear 5x5 stalls. Madcow's gentle weekly ramp versus the Texas Method's volume/intensity grind.
nSuns 5/3/1 vs Wendler 5/3/1: which should you run?
An honest head-to-head of the two intermediate programs: nSuns 5/3/1 LP and Jim Wendler's original 5/3/1. How volume, progression, and time differ - and how to pick by your recovery and goals.
6 StrongLifts alternatives worth trying in 2026
Looking for an app like StrongLifts? Six honest alternatives compared - Lift5x5, Strong, Hevy, Boostcamp, Liftosaur, and pen and paper - with pricing.
How alcohol affects your strength and recovery
An honest, evidence-based look at what alcohol does to muscle growth, sleep quality, and training performance. Practical guidelines for lifters who drink.
How to maintain strength while traveling
Practical guide to keeping your 5x5 gains while on the road. Hotel workouts, bodyweight alternatives, gym-finding tips, and how to return without setbacks.
How to combine cardio with 5x5 training
Can you do cardio on a 5x5 program without killing your gains? A practical guide to types, timing, and volume of cardio alongside strength training.
Morning vs evening workouts: does timing matter?
Should you train in the morning or evening? An evidence-based look at how workout timing affects strength, performance, and consistency on 5x5.
Can 5x5 help you lose weight?
How 5x5 strength training supports fat loss. Calorie burn, muscle preservation, body recomposition, and why the scale lies to lifters losing fat.
Strength training after 50: adapted 5x5 guide
How to start or continue 5x5 after 50. Modifications for progression, recovery, warm-ups, and joint health to build serious strength at any age.
5x5 for teens: is it safe to lift heavy young?
Evidence-based guide on teenagers doing 5x5. The growth stunting myth debunked, age guidelines, safety tips, and how to start barbell training as a teen.
How to estimate your one rep max
Learn to calculate your estimated 1RM from your 5x5 weights. Includes formulas, a reference table, and why you probably shouldn't test it as a beginner.
Should you train to failure on 5x5?
An evidence-based look at training to failure during 5x5. When failure helps, when it hurts, and how to handle it safely on every lift.
AMRAP sets: when and how to use them
What AMRAP sets are, how to do them safely, and when they make sense in a 5x5 program. A practical guide to as many reps as possible training.
Linear vs periodized training: when to switch
The difference between linear and periodized training. When to move on from adding weight every session and which periodization model fits you.
Microloading: how to keep progressing when 2.5kg is too much
The strategy behind adding less than 2.5kg per session. When to microload, which lifts need it, and how to program fractional progression for continued gains.
Can you lift with a herniated disc?
A responsible guide for lifters with disc herniations. What the research says, how to modify training, and the path back to heavy lifting.
Shoulder impingement and lifting: what to do
A lifter's guide to shoulder impingement. What it is, why it happens, how to train around it, and the rehab exercises that fix the root cause.
Gym chalk: why your grip needs it
Chalk is the cheapest and most effective grip aid for deadlifts. Types of chalk, how to apply it, which lifts benefit most, and why gloves hurt grip.
How much muscle can you gain your first year?
Realistic expectations for first-year muscle gain. The research-backed models, what affects your results, and how to maximize your beginner window.
Can you get strong without getting big?
Strength and size aren't the same thing. Here's the science of neural adaptation, why beginners get stronger without growing, and how 5x5 favors strength.
Active recovery: what to do on rest days
How to make the most of rest days on 5x5. Active recovery options that boost recovery without undermining your training progress.
Ankle and hip mobility for deeper squats
Practical mobility drills to improve squat depth. Fix ankle dorsiflexion and hip flexion limitations with a daily routine that takes 5-10 minutes.
Body recomposition on 5x5: lose fat and gain muscle
Can you build muscle and lose fat at the same time on 5x5? Yes, if you're in the right category. Here's how to set it up and what to expect.
How big a surplus do you need for muscle?
Evidence-based guide to caloric surplus for muscle gain. How much to eat, how to calculate it, and how to gain muscle without unnecessary fat.
Supplements for strength: what works and what doesn't
Evidence-based supplement review for strength trainees. Tier-by-tier breakdown of what's proven, what's promising, and what's a waste of money.
Can you do 5x5 twice a week and still progress?
Find out if training 5x5 only twice a week works. The math on progression, how to schedule it, and when fewer sessions actually make more sense.
Can you use 5x5 for powerlifting?
How 5x5 builds a powerlifting foundation, when to move to a powerlifting-specific program, and what your first meet journey looks like.
Can you build muscle with 5x5 training?
Yes, 5x5 builds muscle. Here's the science behind why, where you'll gain the most, and how to maximize hypertrophy on a strength program.
5x5 vs Greyskull LP: which is better?
An honest comparison of StrongLifts 5x5 and Greyskull LP. AMRAP sets, deload protocols, exercise order, and which program fits your goals.
10 common mistakes beginners make on 5x5
Avoid the most common 5x5 beginner mistakes: starting too heavy, skipping workouts, not eating enough, and 7 more. Simple fixes for each one.
How long should a 5x5 workout take?
Find out how long a typical 5x5 workout takes, why sessions get longer over time, and how to keep your training efficient without rushing.
Barbell vs dumbbells: why barbells build more strength
Barbells let you load heavier, progress in smaller increments, and build maximal strength faster. Why 5x5 uses barbells and when dumbbells matter.
Box squats for building squat strength
Learn how box squats build explosive strength out of the hole, teach consistent depth, and reduce knee stress. Complete technique and programming guide.
Romanian deadlift: technique and programming
Learn proper Romanian deadlift form, how it differs from conventional deadlifts, and how to program RDLs as an accessory on 5x5 for stronger hamstrings.
Elbow pain from lifting: causes and fixes
Tennis elbow or golfer's elbow from lifting? Here's what's causing it, which exercises are the usual culprits, and how to fix it without stopping training.
Rack pulls: how to use them for deadlift gains
Rack pulls build lockout strength, upper back mass, and let you handle heavier weight than full deadlifts. Setup, programming, and common mistakes.
Deadlift grip failing? How to fix weak grip
Your grip gives out before your back and legs do. Here's how to fix it with the right grip type, chalk, and targeted training that actually works.
Paused squats: how and why to use them
Paused squats build strength in the hole, fix form breakdown, and develop mental toughness. Here's how to program them alongside 5x5.
Overhead press vs bench press: differences explained
OHP and bench press both build upper body strength, but they work differently. Here's how they compare and why 5x5 includes both.
Pendlay row vs barbell row: which is better?
Pendlay rows start from the floor each rep. Conventional rows keep the bar hanging. Here's how they compare and which one fits your 5x5 training.
Wrist pain on bench press: how to fix it
Wrist pain during bench press is almost always a grip problem. Learn the exact bar position, grip fixes, and stretches to bench pain-free.
How to set realistic strength goals
Set achievable strength goals using bodyweight ratios, realistic timelines, and process-based targets. A practical framework for beginners and intermediates.
Wrist wraps vs lifting straps: which do you need?
Wrist wraps support your wrist joint for pressing. Lifting straps assist your grip for pulling. Learn when to use each, and when to skip both.
5x5 vs upper lower split: pros and cons
Compare 5x5 full-body training with an upper/lower split. Training frequency, volume, recovery, and which program fits your experience level.
Hip pain during squats: causes and solutions
Hip pain when you squat? Learn the 6 most common causes, mobility drills that help, stance adjustments to try, and when to see a doctor.
Stretching for strength: when and how to stretch
Should you stretch before lifting? After? Not at all? Evidence-based guide to stretching for strength trainees, with specific drills for each problem area.
How to prevent injuries in strength training
The biggest risk factors for lifting injuries and exactly how to avoid them. Warm-up protocols, form cues, load management, and recovery strategies.
How to train around an injury without losing progress
Injured but don't want to lose your gains? Here's how to keep training safely, what to modify, and how to return to full strength.
Microplates: why small weight jumps matter
How fractional plates extend linear progression by weeks or months. Which lifts need them, what to buy, and why 1.25kg jumps beat stalling.
Gaining weight on 5x5: muscle vs fat
Why the scale goes up during 5x5, how much is muscle vs fat, and how to track body composition so you build strength without unnecessary fat gain.
5x5 vs GZCLP: beginner program comparison
How StrongLifts 5x5 compares to GZCLP. Exercise selection, progression schemes, stall handling, and which program suits different beginners better.
Best intermediate programs after 5x5
Done with linear progression? Compare Madcow, Texas Method, 5/3/1, GZCL, nSuns, and more. How to choose the right intermediate program for your goals.
Creatine for strength training: what you need to know
Evidence-based guide to creatine monohydrate for lifters. How it works, dosing, timing, myths debunked, and why it's the most proven supplement for strength.
Your first day of barbell training: what to expect
A complete walkthrough of your first barbell workout. What to bring, what to wear, how to warm up, and exactly what happens from the moment you walk in.
Best barbell row alternatives and variations
Comprehensive guide to barbell row alternatives. Compare Pendlay rows, dumbbell rows, cable rows, T-bar rows, and more for your back training.
Front squat vs back squat for strength
Honest comparison of front and back squats. Biomechanics, muscle activation, mobility demands, and when to use each for your training goals.
How to breathe during squats and heavy lifts
Learn the Valsalva maneuver and proper bracing technique. Step-by-step breathing patterns for squats, deadlifts, bench press, and overhead press.
5x5 vs 5/3/1: which program is right for you?
An honest comparison of StrongLifts 5x5 and Wendler's 5/3/1. Who each program is for, how they differ, and when to switch.
How to increase your overhead press
Proven strategies to break through OHP plateaus. Microloading, form fixes, weak point analysis, and accessories to build a stronger press.
Skinny fat? How 5x5 fixes your physique
If you're normal weight but still look soft, 5x5 is the fix. How to build muscle, lose fat, and transform your body composition as a beginner.
Best shoes for squats and deadlifts
Running shoes are costing you strength. Why footwear matters for lifting, the best options for squats and deadlifts, and how to pick the right pair.
DOMS explained: should you train when sore?
What causes muscle soreness after training, why beginners get it worse, and whether you should train through it. Evidence-based answers.
Overtraining: signs, symptoms, and what to do
How to tell if you're overtraining or just under-recovering. The real signs, what causes them, and practical fixes to get back on track.
When to use a lifting belt (and when not to)
A lifting belt increases core pressure, not replaces your core. When to start using one, how to wear it properly, which type to buy, and myths debunked.
Lower back pain from deadlifts: fix your form
Deadlift making your back hurt? Learn the 5 main causes of lower back pain from deadlifts, how to fix each one, and when soreness crosses into injury.
Squat knee pain: why it happens and how to fix it
Knee pain from squats is almost always fixable. Learn the 5 main causes, why deep squats are actually safer for your knees, and how to fix each issue.
Bench press shoulder pain: causes and fixes
Shoulder pain when benching? Here are the 6 most common causes, how to fix each one, and when to see a doctor. Practical guide for lifters.
Bulking on 5x5: how to eat for maximum gains
A practical bulking guide for 5x5 trainees. How big a surplus, what to eat, how long to bulk, and how to minimize fat gain while building strength.
How to cut without losing strength
A practical guide to losing fat while preserving strength on 5x5. Deficit strategy, protein targets, training adjustments, and realistic expectations.
When to stop 5x5 and switch programs
How to know when linear progression is done. Signs you've outgrown 5x5, what intermediate means, and which programs to transition to.
5x5 for complete beginners: start here
Everything you need to start 5x5 strength training. The two workouts, all five exercises, how progression works, and what to expect your first month.
How to pick your starting weights for 5x5
Choose the right starting weights for squat, bench, press, row, and deadlift. Why starting too heavy is the biggest beginner mistake and how to avoid it.
When and how to deload on 5x5 (the complete protocol)
Failed 3 times at the same weight? Here's the exact deload protocol: reduce by 10%, rebuild over 2 weeks, and come back stronger than before.
StrongLifts vs Starting Strength: which is better?
Honest comparison of the two most popular beginner programs. The real differences, which one suits you better, and why neither is objectively superior.
Sumo vs conventional deadlift: which is best?
Compare sumo and conventional deadlifts for strength, muscle building, and your body type. Learn which style fits your goals and anatomy.
Low bar vs high bar squat: which is right for you?
Compare low bar and high bar squat positions for strength, muscle development, and your body type. Learn proper setup for each style.
How to warm up for heavy lifts: the complete guide
Learn the optimal warmup protocol for squats, bench, deadlifts, and more. Specific sets, reps, and percentages to prepare for heavy work without fatigue.
5x5 vs PPL: honest comparison for strength and muscle
Side-by-side breakdown: 5x5 builds more strength in less time, PPL builds more muscle with more volume. Find which matches your goals and schedule.
Madcow 5x5: the complete intermediate guide (2026)
The full Madcow 5x5 program: weekly ramping structure, exact starting weights, a week-by-week example with real numbers, and when to switch from beginner 5x5.
Texas Method explained: weekly progression
Master the Texas Method intermediate program. Learn the volume/intensity structure, proper setup, and how it compares to Madcow 5x5.
5x5 workout schedule: Mon/Wed/Fri or 3 better options
The optimal 3-day schedule for 5x5: Mon/Wed/Fri, Tue/Thu/Sat, or flexible splits. Plus how to handle missed sessions without losing progress.
Overhead press: build strong shoulders
Complete guide to the standing overhead press. Proper form, common mistakes, and how to progress when it stalls (because it will).
3-day vs 4-day split: which builds more strength?
Compare training 3 vs 4 days per week for strength and muscle. Learn which frequency works best for beginners, intermediates, and busy schedules.
5x5 strength training for women: complete guide
Everything women need to know about 5x5 training. Dispel myths, set realistic expectations, and build serious strength with this proven program.
5x5 after 40: strength training guide
How to run 5x5 successfully in your 40s, 50s, and beyond. Modified progression, recovery strategies, and realistic expectations for older lifters.
5x5 at home: the complete equipment guide
Build a complete home gym for 5x5 training. Essential equipment, budget options, space requirements, and setup tips for serious strength training.
How sleep affects your strength gains (what research shows)
Your muscles grow during sleep, not in the gym. Discover optimal sleep hours, pre-bed habits, and recovery strategies that accelerate 5x5 progress.
Adding accessories to 5x5: what and when
Learn when and how to add accessory exercises to 5x5. Which accessories help progress, which hurt it, and how much is too much.
Why tracking your lifts matters (and how to do it)
Learn why logging workouts transforms your progress. What to track, how to analyze data, and what separates lifters who progress from those who don't.
How to break through a 5x5 plateau (5 proven fixes)
Stuck at the same weight for 3 workouts? These 5 strategies work for squat, bench press, overhead press, and deadlift plateaus on StrongLifts.
Realistic 5x5 results: week by week timeline
What to expect from 5x5 training month by month. Real strength benchmarks, body changes, and honest timelines for beginners.
Failed a rep on 5x5? Here's exactly what to do next
Step-by-step decision tree: retry the weight, deload 10%, or switch exercises. The complete protocol for missed reps on StrongLifts 5x5.
Rest between sets on 5x5: 90s vs 3min vs 5min
Exact rest times for every 5x5 lift: 90 seconds for warmups, 3 minutes standard, 5 minutes for heavy squats. Plus when to adjust as weights get heavier.
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