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

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?

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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