I started with stronglifts 5x5, but switched to Mark Rippetoe's Starting Strength.
Starting Strength is a little harder to get into because it is based off of a paid book instead of a free pdf. But it is a better program in my opinion. Stronglifts is basically a ripoff of it but with better search engine optimization, hence its popularity.
Differences:
-Stronglifts starts with minimal weight. Starting Strength starts with weight that is hard. I think it is advantageous to do lower weight if you need to figure out form, but if you can get proper instruction there is no reason to start so low, you are just wasting time.
-Starting strength does 3x5 instead of 5x5. 5x5 is too many if the weight is truly difficult (Stronglift agrees and goes down to 3x5 when you get failures)
-Stronglifts has a bunch of instructions and rules to follow, but there really is no explanation as to why, for form or the program. Starting Strength's book is extremely thorough (almost too verbose).
-Starting Strength does power cleans instead of barbell row. Power cleans are essential because they develop speed, while all other exercises in both programs only develop strength. Work the lats with Chin-ups.
-The author of Starting Strength seems more credible since the programs are so similar yet his came earlier, he has been around a long time coaching, and has lift much higher weights than the author of Stronglifts).
Both programs will be a million times better than nothing, but I think if you are serious about getting strong Starting Strength will serve you better.
Fair enough. I haven't looked at Starting Strength. I do think Stronglifts is "good enough" for people just looking to get in reasonable shape, and I think there are "transaction costs" benefits to having a short free PDF and a routine that starts with low weights to learn form as opposed to a thorough book and getting professional instruction.
If you are going to do something with as high a potential for injury as powerlifting, drop $20 on SS. It spends pages on explanation and diagrams showing you exactly how to perform the lifts.
Start with stronglifts. I get the point of having a free pdf. After you've added 20-25lbs to the bar, go buy SS. It's worth it.
I agree, it is the biggest downfall of Starting Strength. It would be much more accessible if they just had a well organized library of video instructions for all the lifts the program uses. I find it hard to learn from a book...
Starting Strength is a little harder to get into because it is based off of a paid book instead of a free pdf. But it is a better program in my opinion. Stronglifts is basically a ripoff of it but with better search engine optimization, hence its popularity.
Differences:
-Stronglifts starts with minimal weight. Starting Strength starts with weight that is hard. I think it is advantageous to do lower weight if you need to figure out form, but if you can get proper instruction there is no reason to start so low, you are just wasting time.
-Starting strength does 3x5 instead of 5x5. 5x5 is too many if the weight is truly difficult (Stronglift agrees and goes down to 3x5 when you get failures)
-Stronglifts has a bunch of instructions and rules to follow, but there really is no explanation as to why, for form or the program. Starting Strength's book is extremely thorough (almost too verbose).
-Starting Strength does power cleans instead of barbell row. Power cleans are essential because they develop speed, while all other exercises in both programs only develop strength. Work the lats with Chin-ups.
-The author of Starting Strength seems more credible since the programs are so similar yet his came earlier, he has been around a long time coaching, and has lift much higher weights than the author of Stronglifts).
Both programs will be a million times better than nothing, but I think if you are serious about getting strong Starting Strength will serve you better.