5 X 5 and definition

[chiseled21]

I feel that 5 x 5, DFHT, and HST are by far superior workouts to the traditional split. My primary goals while doing these programs has been to add mass and strength. I need to cut up some for a vacation to St. Martin in a month. Does anybody have any experience using 5 X 5 while dieting to get cut? Will I be able to achieve the same level of definition with this program as I was able to in the past using traditional splits or will I need to add some isolation exercises?

[Grizzly]

Definition is a function og bodyfat percentage, so, yes, you can achieve a high level of definition utilizing one of those programs. If you really feel it's necessary, I don't see why you couldn't throw in some isolation movements. Just don't go overboard with quantity of isolation movements or volume.

[chiseled21]

thanks for the quick response. I figured that it would work ok. I was hoping that I would not have to go back to a traditional split routine. I have been using HST and most recently 5 X 5 with great results. My girlfriend decided to book us a trip to St Matren for the 2nd week of feb. and that is right in the middle of my planned 5 x 5 routine(since she booked it I will not be doing any complaining). I just want to be as cut as possible( at least for the first day). The main reason I posted the question is that I have not seen any articles posted discussing using 5 X 5 for cutting...most of them are directed towards sport and bulking.

[Grizzly]

Also, the HST would probably work supremely well. I know Freddy tried it out once and lost a goodly amount of bf.

[Ramstein II]

One thing you'll notice if you get down to the single digits in body fat is you lose compression in your joints. You’ll likely lose some strength initially as a function of losing some of the pressure in the joints that was created by water and fat. This can lead to instability in your lifts which can lead to injury. In my experience, once you are very lean you can redevelop your balance with your hollowed out joints but it takes some time. This is one of the reasons that bodybuilder cut weight down to where they’re doing sets of 10. This is where your personal judgment will come into play. One of the benefits of lifting in the 5-6 rep range is that it gives your body a reason to hang on to muscle while dieting. However, that does you no good if your hips shift while you’re squating resulting in injury etc...

[chiseled21]

thanks for the input. I have been researching alot of routines and considering that whole body style routines using primarily core movements(dead,squat,bench and rows) no matter what rep range tax the body the most and induce the most growth. I guess a better question to ask is if there is ever a reason to do all of the isolation type of work utilized in a traditional split or if continuing with a primarily core movement workout and tightening the diet with some extra cardio will yield the same results(good vascularity and defintion). I do agree that once bodyfat levels become low that performing the lifts as heavy may not be possible. I would like to hear some more discussoin on this subject. thanks.

[ItalianPride]

can some tell me what the breakdown of these programs are?

thanks...

[AnimalMass]

See "AnimalMass' Favorite Routines" Thread - It's sticked at the top.

Matt

[chiseled21]

I have began 5 X 5 and feel that it is a great workout. I think the best part is that I feel that my workout has no extra exercisews that are a waste of time. Each and every exercise performed during my workout is sure to make me grow. When I first began working out in gyms all the real big guys told me that to grow I had to " just hit the big three" and I never really listened I just kept on doing my muscle and fitness routine. I have put on 50 lbs since then and each one was a struggle, if I would have listened back then I think I would look alot thicker now and would not have had quite as many overtraining injuries.