please critique this bb routine i grabbed from bodybuilding.com

[jaytaylor84]

this is shannon pittman's "ultra hardgainer routine" i would post the link but i guess im am too newbie

it basically consists of this ->

Day 1
* Squat 1 x 20
* Bench press 2 x 6
* Overhead Press 2 x 10


Day 2
* Stiff-legged Deadlift 2 x 12
* Chins 2 x 8 (with added weight)
* Calf raises 3 x 15

My question is this.. can i substitute 5x5 for set/rep scheme for each exercise? I've always had trouble in the past with rep and set scheme for various exercises and what is appropriate.. please help me with this..i'm also an ectomorph

 

[ExtraMile]

The volume there is very low, even for a hardgainer. If you check the sticky "The Ultimate Training Split" there is some good info on training for hardgainers.

 

[lweaver]

I wouldn't go with that option. Like EM posted, check out the hardgainer routine if you like. Or you could hit a 5x5 really hard and make sure you're getting enough rest and good calories. Instead of replacing the above routine, you could simply try a tried and true program that already exists (IE Madcow).

A few issues I have with the BB.com routine:

-If you're new to lifting it is going to be really difficult to learn proper squatting form at such a low volume and high rep scheme. If you're new to the lift, there will be a learning curve as the squat isnt as simple as it looks. Furthermore in the learning phase your form is going to break down after the weight begins to tax your body. I would say something like a 5x5 with lots and lots of warmup sets (3-5 reps) with an empty bar is in order. Better yet, learn how to box squat.

-Why stiff-legged deadlifts? Sure, they will hit your hammies good...but if you're concerned with strength I would hit conventional (probably the best option), sumo or even trap bar deads in lue of those.

-When required to choose only 6 exercises for a routine, who the hell chooses calf raises? What the hell is that?

I do like the weighted chins.

 

[CoBra666]

-When required to choose only 6 exercises for a routine, who the hell chooses calf raises? What the hell is that?

lmao, oh thats funny, but its true. basically this is a wannabe mark rippetoes beginner 5x5. get rid of the calf raises and do rows. or just do the 5x5 routine. its simple, its effective. if i decide to do calves i will do them while squating cuz i already got a few hundred pounds on my back.

day 1
Squat
Bench Press
Deadlift
Dips
hypers

day 2
Squat
Standing military press
Bent Over Rows (or power cleans if u got the technique down)
Chin-ups
weighted situps

alternate workouts every other day.. with light cardio in between if u need to cut down on fat too

 

[RADAR]

Thats all the exercise there is????? ....Good Lord!

Mine is more than triple that and brutal as hell