What's a good workout routine to stick to for mass gains?

[Adrian101]

I'm looking for a workout routine that will emphasize mass gains first and strength second. Should I do 5/3/1 or Madcow 5x5, Starting Strength for that? Which one would help out the best with that. Thanks.

[Off Road]

I'm looking for a workout routine that will emphasize mass gains first and strength second. Should I do 5/3/1 or Madcow 5x5, Starting Strength for that? Which one would help out the best with that. Thanks.

I think you have that backwards, you'll always want to emphasize strength gains first even if you are just looking for mass. You need to get stronger within a rep range in order to put on muscle. Besides, the routines you picked are basically strength routines anyways. If you use one of those routines, apply the appropriate effort, eat according to your goals, you should be able to put on mass like you want.

[Adrian101]

Alright well I did Starting Strength before but I want to try something else. I guess it's either between 5/3/1 and the 5x5. So many to choose from! Lol.

[RichMcGuire]

If you're wanting to emphasize muscle gains, I think the HCT-12 program on the site is pretty good and it will explain why you might do reps of 6 and not heavy singles. You want to emphasize getting stronger...but in the correct rep ranges. But everything is moot unless you eat your face off. I think worrying about reps and routines and stuff should come second. Food is going to be the hard part.

[thecityalive]

yeah if hypertrophy is your idea goal, why not stick with a program that is oriented towards....growth?

HCT-12 is great.

[sharksnumber2]

I've been doing HCT-12 for the past 4 months and it's great. I'm seeing gains in everything and this past week at the beach got complements on my gained muscle... I highly recommend HCT-12

[bigmalone]

Agree. HCT-12 looks good for growth. Not sure if 5/3/1 or 5x5 is geared towards growth, looks primarily for strength. I myself use to do something like a 5x5 for strength. I am now more geared towards a "bodybuilding" routine instead of a "powerlifter" routine, and have adjusted my rep range. Good luck to you!!!