After tearing my achilles two years ago I became determined to fix my body's structural imbalances. I cannot say enough about how powerful the Stronglifts program is (and other similar programs). As a part of my training (along with a lot of pilates and yoga) I have done the StrongLifts program. I had done some weight training previously, was comfortable with each one of the lifts, and could find my way around the weight room. I think StrongLifts was the perfect lifting program for my situation, and will be to anyone else in a similar place. Im going to comment a bit more about the actual program, what you need to know about it, and why I recommend it.

Stronglifts uses two alternating workouts A, B. The program focuses on eight different lifts (see site for full details). Workout A is Squats, Bench, Inverted Rows, Push Ups; Workout B is Squats, Overhead Press, Deadlifts, PullUps/ChinUps. The goal of the program is to build as much pure strength as possible. And it works. Doing compound lifts like this allows you to use as much muscle as possible while lifting the maximum amount of weight. The downside is that these lifts are not the easiest to learn. The key is to START LIGHT. Keep the weight light- lighter than you think- until you are consistently lifting with good form.

If you are going to the gym with the goal of living a healthier life then you are wasting your time if you are not squatting. Please - learn how to squat, learn how to do it correctly, and get your butt as close to the ground as your flexibility allows. A full-depth squat is healthier for knees, develops additional muscles (mostly your butt), and is very impressive when you are putting up 2xx pounds on your squat and your butt is almost touching the ground.

Learning correct form for any lift is essential. Please learn the right form when the weights are light. Once the weight gets higher your chances of injury from incorrect form skyrocket. Learning a lift incorrectly also makes it harder to learn correctly. So do it right the first time.

Now for my actual Stronglifts review. I love it. I am addicted to it. I never in my life imagined I would be lifting as much as I am. I would not have gotten here without sticking to Stronglifts. I like Stronglifts because you know exactly how much you have to lift each day. There is an equation for everything. If you have a shitty day and cant lift something you just go back the next time and try again. There is no way to cheat but at the same time you are always progressing. If your squat is struggling your bench might be feeling great. I always had progress to motivate me to go back.

That is the real key to any workout program, consistency. It does not matter what program you do- Stronglifts, starting strength, 3x5, 10x54, lean body now, grandma chair exercises, etc- just pick something and stick to it. Go to the gym when you feel great or when you feel like shit. I love doing squats. Doing squats 5x5 three times a week sucks no matter how you look at it. What keeps me going back is the sense of accomplishment you feel after lifting weights you never though possible. That and the huge/strong muscles part...

1) The health benefits of weight lifting using compound movements are not to be taken lightly- you may be shocked at what your body becomes after a year of committed work in the gym.

2) You are wasting your time going to the gym to lift weights if you are: not sticking to a program & documenting your workout (yes- gym notebook required), not doing full depth squats, not doing compound lifts.