Beginner's Routine for a Buddy

Not sure if this area is for beginners or people helping beginners but here we go…

Recently agreed to help train a buddy. Problem is, I never really had a beginner’s routine. I started doing a hockey specific routine, not a basic entry level bodybuilding routine. I have a fairly good idea what to put in one (compound movements etc.)for a beginner, but any advice would be great.

(I currently got him on a routine designed by Frank Sepe, which a found in an old Muscle Mag International. Unfortunately that routine focuses abs more than any other bodyparty, and does not include a bench press any day!)

Madcow 5x5, Bill Starr 5x5, and/or Mark Ripptoe Starting Strength. Thats all I have to say, my friend.

God I wish this 5x5 shit would die already. hahaha

[quote]mr popular wrote:
God I wish this 5x5 shit would die already. hahaha

[/quote]

I KNOW! I’ve begun recommending this:

http://www.T-Nation.com/tmagnum/readTopic.do?id=2175462&pageNo=0

To the OP: I’m kidding. Rippetoe’s, Madcows, and just about anything 5x5 is the shit.

[quote]Otep wrote:
mr popular wrote:
God I wish this 5x5 shit would die already. hahaha

I KNOW! I’ve begun recommending this:

http://www.T-Nation.com/tmagnum/readTopic.do?id=2175462&pageNo=0

[/quote]

And you win the thread, and possibly the rest of the forum as well.

People seem to think that these programs apply in every situation, no matter what the details of it are or what the goals in mind are, even before any real goals are given… the answer must be 5x5, starting strength, or rippetoe…

It’s just irresponsible and dumb.

[quote]mr popular wrote:
People seem to think that these programs apply in every situation, no matter what the details of it are or what the goals in mind are, even before any real goals are given… the answer must be 5x5, starting strength, or rippetoe…

It’s just irresponsible and dumb.[/quote]

You’re probably right. But lets review the basic goals of people asking for help on this forum.

a) I wanna get stronger
Rippetoes is a good program.
b) I wanna get bigger
Rippetoes is a good program, provided the subject is eating enough.
c) I wanna get leaner
Rippetoes is a good program, provided diet is in order and some extra cardio is thrown in.
D) I wanna boost my vertical jump
Rippetoes can help, but in this case, you should probably jump more.

There are a number of variations on ‘D’, including performance at a given sport and or competing in powerlifting/strongman, all of which would perhaps suggest rippetoes is not an optimal program.

It is my opinion that the number of posters in category ‘D’ are the minority of the people asking for training help. Hence the reason I personally recommend it.

[quote]mr popular wrote:
People seem to think that these programs apply in every situation, no matter what the details of it are or what the goals in mind are, even before any real goals are given… the answer must be 5x5, starting strength, or rippetoe…

It’s just irresponsible and dumb.[/quote]

No, we think that they apply to a vast majority of beginners who are not injured. Show me one beginner who doesn’t need to increase their strength in most of their muscles, and then we can talk about a routine that focuses mostly on bringing up lagging body parts.

This is what I used. I liked it because I could go to the gym monday through friday, which was something I felt I needed to do to stay motivated.

I adapted it from Mike Gill and his blog, www.chasingkaz.com → found it in the message board under Mike’s Basic Program.

Warm up for 7 minutes on bike/treadmill (I ran because the bike was boring)and then stretch.

Day 1:
Bench for warm up
Bench for work
Dips for work
Shoulder Press/Military Press

Day 2:
Front Squat warm up
Front Squat
Dumbbell Straight Leg Dead-Lift
Seated Row

Day 3:
pull downs for warm up
Pull Ups
Bent over Row

Day 4:
Dumb Bell incline Bench Press
Dips
DB Seated Shoulder

Day 5:
Squats
Deads

It follows a 3 week cycle.
Week 1: 10-12 reps
Week 2: 7-10 reps
Week 3: 3-5 reps

Cycle 1: 120 sec rest between sets
Cycle 2: 90 sec rest between sets
Cycle 3: 60 sec rest between sets
Cycle 4: 180 sec between sets

If no assist machine exists, dips can be subbed with decline Dumbbell Bench Press with palms facing.