Any workout can certainly get old, and that is why you may want to try a 5X5 workout routine.  If you have never done one, this could really be the thing for you.  The 5X5 workout routine is very popular due to its high degree of effectiveness.  Another strong point in favor of it is the simplicity of the routine.  Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about the 5X5 workout routine.

What is a 5×5 Workout Routine?

Probably you are wondering what in the world a 5X5 workout routine is.  Although a bit mysterious in name, a 5X5 workout routine means that it is a workout where the person exercising performs five sets of the exercise and five repetitions of the exercise.  There are a couple of different 5X5 workout routines that can be selected from.  It just depends upon your preference.

What is the Purpose of a 5X5 Workout Routine Format?

A 5X5 workout routine has its benefits.  It is good for building strength and definition as well as mass.  Not all workouts can achieve this at once, and this is the reason for the prevalence of the 5X5 workout routine.  It is quite possible to vary the intensity of the workout across several different days, for example have the workout be more intense toward the beginning of the week and more moderate toward the end, or whatever variation is most desirable for an individual’s personal schedule.  Many people have tried this type of workout routine with amazing results.  In fact, for some it has made all the difference.

Who Invented the 5X5 Workout Routine?

Bill Starr is the person who wrote The Strongest Shall Survive:  Strength Training for Football and he is the person from whom the concept of the 5X5 workout routine originally came from.  His form uses squats, bench and power clean.

Is the 5X5 Workout Routine New? 

No, it isn’t!  It is really pretty old, actually.  It was initially begun in the 1970s.  The book that was mentioned above was also written in the 1970’s.  What has made some people think it is a new technology is that Arnold Swarchenegger popularized it and his physique at that time when he revealed that he uses it made everyone want to do it.  It is still around because it really works.  Others, such as Mark Rippetoe, invented variations of the Bill Starr routine.  All of these forms of exercise are popular and performed by many people due to the fact that they really create a visible difference in the overall appearance and strength of a body.

The Original Bill Starr 5X5 Workout Routine

In its simplest form, the original Bill Starr 5X5 workout routine works like this.  It is a Monday, Wednesday, Friday workout schedule.  Monday is the heavy workout day, Wednesday is the light day and Friday is the medium level day.  Mondays contains power cleans, bench and squats.  Wednesday contains power cleans and incline bench.  Friday consists of power cleans, overhead press and squats.  All of these are naturally at five sets and five repetitions.  There are very few types of exercises to learn how to do because the routine values simplicity over all else.  The workout really emphasizes overall strength.  It focuses on the building of overall strength rather than the simple strength of certain muscles.  It is more holistic in the sense that it works on building the strength of the overall body instead of just parts.

Bill Starr’s Variations

Bill Starr himself had a few forms of the 5X5 workout routine.  For instance, there was the original routine that is described above.  Also, he had a power routine, a beginner routine, a strength factor routine and a “big three” program.  These are all powerful variations of the original.  If someone wants an effective workout routine that has stood the test of time and is known to work, then they should go ahead and do one of Bill Starr’s 5×5 workout routines.

These are some of the answers to questions you may have about a 5X5 workout routine.  Explained is what the routine is, as well as some advantages.  Also, the purpose of the routine is pointed out and a little bit about the background of the inventor of the program is presented.  The fact that the plan has been around and has stood the test of time is discussed, as are the variations to the program.  Try a 5X5 workout routine for yourself and see the difference in your body now.

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