How thorough is stronglifts? page

[Eklecktika]

I've been following the stronglifts program, albeit with a few minor hitches due to illness, life, etc. and am seeing pretty dramatic changes in strength and fitness. I'm curious though, if by doing so, I'm missing something that I need to be working, or if it really is a good 'all around' workout. It certainly feels that way, but that can be deceiving.

I'm sure everyone knows what it is, but for the noobs that don't, the cliffnotes version is:
A:
Squat
Deadlift
Overhead press

B:
Squat
Bench
Barbell Row

Work out every other day, start with the bar, add 5 pounds each workout, and do 5 sets of 5 reps.
StrongLifts 5x5: How to Gain Raw Muscle And Brute Strength | StrongLifts.com

For example: I'm concerned about calves-will squatting and gaining strength in quads and hams cause problems if the calves aren't up to par? (Yes, sprinting is included in MY version.) I'm sure there are other balance/imbalance areas as well that aren't coming to mind (too many late nights this weekend!) but I'm others will think of them.

Thanks guys!
Laurel


Thoughts?

[Abu Reena]

Calves are irrelevant except for bodybuilders. If you are sprinting and walking, your calves are doing all they need to be doing.

The only thing I'd say is that many people think you should be doing more pull than push, so you've got two days of push (press and bench press), but only one day of pull (barbell row). Some people say it should be 2:1 or 3: 1 pull vs. push (based on what, I'm not sure), but I try to achieve at least parity or a 3:2 of pull to push (or put another way, 3:2 of posterior: anterior).

I try to do rows (barbell, inverted body rows, or dumbbell rows) every workout.

[Eklecktika]

So would adding kettlebell snatches be a decent addition? I do them as well, but not as part of my 'regularly scheduled programming'. Pretty much works the same group as the row, from what I 'feel' but again-maybe a good thing to do on the "A" days?

Thx!

[Coach Palfrey]

Bodybuilders train muscles, athletes train movements. Work out what you want to be able to do, athletically, then base your programming on that.

[arthurb999]

I don't follow SL but do similar stuff and the only isolation work I do is calves... for pure astethics.

[Will Turner]

Just to clarify, I think Mehdi (Stronglifts founder) considers the Deadlift a pulling exercise, as do a lot of people. Deadlifting definitely hits my back muscles, upper and lower, quite well.
If your gains are going so well and you aren't experiencing pain, why change things?

[Apex Predator]

Stronglifts is a good program, just the way it is.

[JPA]

That just looks like Starting Strength.

[Abu Reena]

Deads do utilize your upper back as stabilizers. I personally don't think that's enough, but then again, I've had rotator cuff surgery so I'm extremely protective of my shoulder girdle. YMMV.

[IcarianVX]

Bodybuilders train muscles, athletes train movements.

Best advice I have ever used. Well, except maybe the stop eating so many damned carbs and you won't look like the Michelin Man advice. That was pretty good too.