Adding accessories to a basic 5x5: Too much too soon?

Stick to the programme mate. The big compounds will build the foundation. If you add too much now, you'll burn out your CNS before the weights actually get heavy.

I disagree slightly. I added chin-ups and dips right away and didn't have issues. Just don't go overboard with like 5 different isolation moves.

I've been on a standard 5x5 for about six weeks now. Strength is going up, but I feel like my arms and calves are falling behind. Is it too soon to add curls and raises, or should I just stick to the main lifts until I plateau?

I found that adding accessories made my gym sessions way too long. I spend about an hour in my local leisure centre as it is. Do you really have the time for extra fluff?

@MidwestMike I was thinking 3 sets of bicep curls on Day A and maybe some tricep extensions on Day B. Nothing crazy.

Just remember that your rows and overhead presses already hit your arms. If you're a beginner, your 'small' muscles will grow from the big movements anyway. Focus on the squat numbers!

Exactly what Dave said. It's called 'accessory' for a reason. Most people at my gym in London spend 45 minutes on arms and can't squat their own bodyweight. Don't be that guy.

Totally agree with the sentiment, but a little bicep work won't kill his squat. @TXguy99 maybe just add one move per session and see how your elbows feel after a fortnight?

Recovery is key. If you're eating enough and sleeping well, adding a bit of volume is fine. If you're in a calorie deficit though, forget it.

Thanks for the input everyone. I think I'll try adding just the chin-ups for now like MapleLeafFan suggested. Seems like a good middle ground between isolation and compound.

Chin-ups are brilliant. Much better value for your time than curls in my opinion.

I usually do them every session but rotate them. Calves Monday, Arms Wednesday, Abs Friday. Keeps the workouts under 75 minutes.

I do 2-3 sets of accessories every time I hit the gym. It's more about the habit for me. Plus, living in Canada, the walk to the gym is my cardio, so I want to make it count lol.

Lol @MapleLeafFan, same here but with the heat in Texas. Getting to the car is a workout. I'll stick to the 'one move per day' plan for a month and report back.

Quick question for the group - do you guys do accessories every session or just once a week?

Good luck with it! Consistent tracking is more important than the specific exercise anyway.

Fair play. Chin-ups are a different beast entirely. Just make sure they aren't affecting your Barbell Rows the next session.

How many sets of curls are we talking about? If it's just 2-3 sets at the end of the workout, it's probably fine. Just watch your recovery.