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Comment by lottin | Hacker News Reader

On this topic, I recommend reading (or listening to) Mark Rippetoe, a strength and conditioning coach from Wichita Falls, Texas, and author of Starting Strength: Basic Barbell Training. He's got quite a few videos on YT where he explains his views on strength training, exercise and its effects on human physiology. While he can be bit controversial sometimes, he's also clearly very knowledgeable about the subject and very well articulated.

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I have to second and recommend this.

42 years. Obese.

Started doing this regimen.

Gained 10 pounds but got skinner.

I was so out of shape that I almost did not have muscle, just fat. Once I started doing my posture got better, sleep and everything.

I hate doing it but I love the results.

Hate hate hate starting strength, been doing it 4 years, you will hate it as much as anything in your life. But the results are fantastic!

imo Starting Strength is overrated, especially if you're just looking to improve health. Not everyone needs to powerlift.

My go-to for science-based, reasonable exercise and diet advice is Renaissance Periodization. Nearly everyone on their team holds a PhD, does active research, and trains or competes at an elite level: https://renaissanceperiodization.com/team

I also think Starting Strength is overrated, and I always push friends who are new to barbell training towards Greyskull LP (it's like SS but incorporates AMRAP sets, endurance, and conditioning).

Having said that: Starting Strength the book is invaluable to people who need instruction on the major compound movements and don't have access to a trainer / friend.

I agree that SS has some good info re: "The Lifts", but nowadays sources like Juggernaut are more informative and less dogmatic:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oEy5WFr-CDA

Their argument is that, at first, the best thing you can do to improve your health is train for strength, because getting stronger will improve your general fitness and health more than anything else. The idea is to build a base of strength before you start training for a particular sport or activity.

A secondary argument is it's time efficient, results come fast and you get the most health and strength benefits with the least amount of time investment compared to say low impact aerobic regiment such as biking. I've done both and have to say I agree that starting strength method is optimal for busy professionals. Also lifting heavy weights is strength training and cardio training. You can't lift heavy weights without getting a cardio workout at the same time.

> The idea is to build a base of strength before you start training for a particular sport or activity.

If the "activity" a person is training for is "general health", Starting Strength type programs are unnecessary as starting points and - in my experience and observation - are more likely to result in injury.

Also, "The Lifts" are not the only true path to building strength.

5x5 was, and still is, the most important exercise plan I've ever done.

Both of them (SS & 5x5) are simple, clear and effective.

https://outlift.com/starting-strength-vs-stronglifts-5x5/

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