SL 5x5 week 2 and still on the bar

TheVirgoddess

So I'm going to the gym regularly. I've gotten over my fear of looking like a jackhole. I'm confident in my form and my routine.

I just can't bring myself to add weight to the damn bar. I'm scared that I'll drop the bar or hurt myself. Especially when I'm benching or squatting.

I know this is probably ridiculous. I'm ridiculous frequently. Maybe I just need someone else to tell me I'm being ridiculous. Any takers?

giantrobot_powerlifting

TheVirgoddess wrote: »

So I'm going to the gym regularly. I've gotten over my fear of looking like a jackhole. I'm confident in my form and my routine.

Excellent! And you are not a jackhole whatever that is.

TheVirgoddess wrote: »

I just can't bring myself to add weight to the damn bar. I'm scared that I'll drop the bar or hurt myself. Especially when I'm benching or squatting.

Bench in the power rack and set the safeties, or get a spotter if need be. Try adding the 2.5 labs to each side. Its not that much and you'll surprise yourself. No fears to be had.

TheVirgoddess wrote: »

I know this is probably ridiculous. I'm ridiculous frequently. Maybe I just need someone else to tell me I'm being ridiculous. Any takers?

Take the tiger by the tail!

ar9179

Do you feel that you're really struggling to complete the sets with just the bar? If you feel confident about completing them, add that weight. Or, go get a set of fractional plates and add it on in smaller increments.

I'm a 45 yr old female and started with the same apprehensions. In fact, I'm always incredibly surprised that I can get through a workout without a failure (had a few with lower deficit). I know it's coming, but my numbers are respectable for a complete beginner and I'll be ok with it. Only so much that you can do on a deficit!
Don't sell yourself short. You're getting stronger.

lishie_rebooted

So stick with the bar til your more comfortable and add weight next week.
No big deal.

I totally get the fear

Travis_2

Naked hit it on the head. From there, go in with confidence. Self doubt leads to failure. (So does recklessness, but I don't think you have to worry about that).

RavenLibra

If you can do a full set of 5x5 you should have no problem adding a 2-1/2 lb plate to each side... for the next step up... or even a 5 lb plate to each side... lifting is about building muscle And confidence... so get you some of both!!!

TheVirgoddess

Okay, I'm adding to the bar tomorrow. Thank you guys!!!

giusa

nakedraygun wrote: »

TheVirgoddess wrote: »

So I'm going to the gym regularly. I've gotten over my fear of looking like a jackhole. I'm confident in my form and my routine.

Excellent! And you are not a jackhole whatever that is.

TheVirgoddess wrote: »

I just can't bring myself to add weight to the damn bar. I'm scared that I'll drop the bar or hurt myself. Especially when I'm benching or squatting.

Bench in the power rack and set the safeties, or get a spotter if need be. Try adding the 2.5 labs to each side. Its not that much and you'll surprise yourself. No fears to be had.

TheVirgoddess wrote: »

I know this is probably ridiculous. I'm ridiculous frequently. Maybe I just need someone else to tell me I'm being ridiculous. Any takers?

Take the tiger by the tail!

^^^^ This!

I have a very small frame, no muscle mass to speak of. Couldn't start at the recommended weights. But slowly I've added plates and proud of my (small) progress. I use the smaller (2.5/5) increaments recommended for women instead of the larger increaments (5/10).

You'll be suprised at yourself. There's also a great SL 5x5 group of women for support - http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/group/4601-stronglifts-5x5-for-women

Good luck! You've got this!