Losing weight while on the 5x5 routine???
 

Trying to lose weight while on the 5x5 routine? Good or bad Idea?

It's tricky, but if you incorporate some cardio into your routine, probably on off days, then you can lose fat. However, keep in mind that you'll be lifting heavy (and you'd better be eating too) so you'll also gain muscle. The net weight effect may not be great because of that, although unless you're a fighter or a wrestler like me, you may not care about what you weigh so much as what that weight is composed of. But you should gain muscle mass with the 5x5, even as you burn fat.

it's ok to do and by adding cardio and cutting cals. you will drop pounds but don't expect to gain massive amounts of muscle like you normally would and don't expect your weight in you exercises to increase.

So, would you recommend doing this type of workout? Im about 270 and would like to get to about 220-230 maybe even less. Im 37 and my powerlifting days are behind me however because of my work I still need to have strength at my disposal.

Well if you want to do a 5x5 one idea that comes to mind is you could incorporate Starr's original recommendation of doing it in circuits. Especially ustilising ramped sets that would give you the best chance of dropping some weight and still realizing some strenght gains.

Ramped sets in a circuit of course would be a pain in the ass if not impossible without someone to change the weights for you but that would allow you to go quick as possible through the first sets and then get a little more rest before the heavy sets at the end.

5x5 is a great way to build strength and combined with cardio and clean diet you can lose fat. Eric is spot on with ramped sets being a possible choice for you. Do you have a partner or at least a spotter to help? Otherwise it can really suck moving those weights around in between sets. Good luck. :weights: