Hey guys, I wasn’t sure exactly where to post this, however, since my ultimate goal is size I thought here would be fine. Just a quick question looking for input. I took a while off of training and have come back and been training again for 6+ weeks. I have been doing Dan John’s Mass Made Simple (hybrid 5/3/1) because I have only been able to go to the gym 3 days a week and my lifts have kept increasing every week. I feel like I should stay on this strength phase longer to keep upping my numbers before I switch over into a more conventional bodybuilding program.
I was looking for another good strength program that would have me in the gym 3 days a week. I was thinking maybe 5x5 or maybe even doing conventional 5/3/1. I wanted to get some input from my fellow nation members. Thanks guys, its appreciated.
Honestly, at your stage, it hardly matters. If you want to look like a bodybuilder, then do something inspired by Brick’s thread on the subject (or just read the "best of T-Nation sticky, it has links to all relevant threads)…
If you are doing lots of extra activity (mma or whatever), then perhaps go with something from Defranco or some such… At your stage, as long as you eat properly, just about everything will get you stronger and bigger fast.
Ya, there are many options. You could go with something more advanced, like 531 or WS4SB, or start off simple with starting strength or 5x5. Also, ive enjoyed EDT a lot, but cant attribute much max strength to it.
It really will come down to how many days a week you want to train and what other activities you are doing (i assume you are doing MMA).
3 days a week would probably be SS, 5x5 or 531
4 days would probably be 531 or WS4SB
If the ultimate goal is size, then you need to start eating a lot more. You should have performance goals in your lifts, but you also need body weight goals. One thing that has worked for me bulking, is setting a deadline for weight gain. (ex: I might do a 6 week bulk, with the goal being to gain 10lbs) Set something realistic and even if you have to start hitting buffets 3x per week, you know you’ll reach that goal.
Lastly, Dan John’s 40-day program is a great way to kickstart strength/mass gains, but its not the funnest program out there.