Good beginner lifting routine?

[xanis]

About a year ago I was hitting the gym hard. Packed on some muscle, looked more cut, got stronger – the whole deal. Unfortunately, senior year of college happened and the gym took a backseat to other stuff.

I've gotten out of shape and I want to get back on track now that I've graduated and I have more time. My first goal is to gain some mass and bulk up a bit. Since I'm essentially starting over again on lifting, I'm looking for a decent mass-building routine for beginners. Nothing crazy, just something that I can use to build some good foundations and get back in the game a bit.

Any suggestions?

 

[996GT2]

Stronglifts 5x5
http://stronglifts.com/stronglifts-5x5-beginner-strength-training-program/

 

[xanis]

Stronglifts 5x5
http://stronglifts.com/stronglifts-5x5-beginner-strength-training-program/

Almost exactly what I'm looking for, thanks.

 

[brad310]

wail on your elbows and kneecaps...and google starting strength. similar to your 5x5 program there.

 

[Howard]

Starting Strength is very similar to SL and takes less time to do.

 

[QueBert]

xanis - I'm in your shoes and just started SL 5x5 this week, some people will recommend starting with just the weight of the bar, it seemed almost too easy for me the 1st workout. But plenty have told me it'll get a lot harder before you know it. I was super tempted to go up to 70'ish lbs the 1st day.

 

[996GT2]

xanis - I'm in your shoes and just started SL 5x5 this week, some people will recommend starting with just the weight of the bar, it seemed almost too easy for me the 1st workout. But plenty have told me it'll get a lot harder before you know it. I was super tempted to go up to 70'ish lbs the 1st day.

If you haven't lifted weights before then I'd recommend starting with the bar, as they say. Because SL 5x5 asks you to increase the weight every week, you will be pushing the limits of your comfort zone within a few weeks or a month.

During the first few weeks, working with lighter weights helps you focus on form so that your form will (hopefully) not suffer once you work up to a weight you can only do for 5x5. This is especially important on the back squat, which takes a while to learn.

 

[swinger222]

Another recommendation for stronglifts. Make sure your diet is in order too!