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PaperclipPerfector  1d ago (text post)   1444 thread views

Small-Scale Question Sunday for January 18, 2026

Do you have a dumb question that you're kind of embarrassed to ask in the main thread? Is there something you're just not sure about?

This is your opportunity to ask questions. No question too simple or too silly.

Culture war topics are accepted, and proposals for a better intro post are appreciated.

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I'm thinking about changing my gym routine. I previously did the stronglifts 5x5 program (squats, bench, rows, overhead press, deadlifts). I was getting good results out of that for a bit until I started getting back pain and plateauing. I've started trying my friend's routine, which is 4x8 of lots of different isolation exercises.

I'm not sure now which routine to go with. The new routine is a lot faster. My body gets a lot sorer, but I don't feel as exhausted energy wise. There's lots of contradictory info on what types of exercises are good for what. I'm primarily trying to get big and promote testosterone production. So compounds or isolation?

30 minutes of stretching 4-5x a week.

Gotta do it !

One big compound lift a day (squat bench dead) and build your sexy muscles with ISOs.

Or only do compound and call it a day.

Or only do ISO.

It’ll all work - hit your protein goal and gain 3-4lbs a month and fly away.

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