Prepping to actually do SL?

klove808

hi all. Have tried to start this program a couple times Realize I really need to work up to this. I can't imagine doing some of these even with just a bar. Wondering if there are any suggestions for working up to this program? I am doing just a variety of body weight exercises for now. (Can't believe people can actually do a squat w/ anywhere near 100#s, seems super human to me after doing with just 20s w/Dumbbells)

littleblue2

I don't have any suggestions since I'm just starting this today. I was super intimidated tho. I was a nervous wreck so hopefully I get better lol

canadianlbs

if i could advise my newbie self now, i would be suggesting goblet squats with a dumbell or kettlebell for a while, but not tooo long. long enough to toughen my legs, but not so long that i get overly comfortable with teh sensations of squatting with weight out in front of my shoulders. and i think i'd start right out doing it close to a bench or other surface, so that i could train myself from the start not to let me knees get too far out in front of my toes.

and then i'd be saying 'do bw squats with a broomstick instead of a bar.' there was plenty for me to get used to, just in not having my hands free to maintain my balance with, and in getting my shoulders and arms comfortable with the position a bar puts them in. doing it without any weight lets you learn the those parts of it separately.

klove808

Yes littleblue2. I remember when just the thought of doing a squat was like "impossible". After two months I finally am comfortable with that. Now it's dead lifts, seem easy enough until weight is added...then, well, a few days after my hamstrings are feeling it. Trying to get used to this one ATM. Little by little is my current strategy.

Thanks canadianlbs for the insight, I'll start giving the broomstick a try out on the squats. Holding weight while squatting is something I'm trying to get used to currently. It seems getting the proper form down is a whole learning experience in itself.

I've done a lot of dance and outdoor activities and massage a lot these days. Which is all active but very specific to those activities. Adding in new ones is such a new experience, Its interesting and currently a bit painful. .

canadianlbs

klove808 wrote: »

It seems getting the proper form down is a whole learning experience in itself.

i'm still working on that after two years but the couple of times when i was getting it right made me convinced that the form is 80% of the battle. it's amazing what strength your body already has if you can just organize yourself so you're using it right.

littleblue2

Today I did deadlifts. Not sure on the form because I felt awkward. But I tell you one thing I am sore from Tuesday.

klove808

^^ canadianlbs.... Sweet, I feel way better about it all now. It seems every time you add weight there is also a new way of keeping form. The continuum continues perpetually.

^ nice littleblue2. Yeah I am slowly working weight into these (started with 10 lbs) cause it seems to be a powerful move, thinking about my low back here. Deadlifts are currently my fave although my hamstrings feel it so much after. Even when while doing them they may seem not so hard. I always have to get a massage after adding any weight to these. Last week I did the versions with toes in, toes out, and toes forward... Oh yea, comprehensive.

klove808

Found this on deadlift form etc: Hope this link works. http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/schultz35.htm

OtiWanKenobi

I agree with candianlbs and recommend you practice your form with a broomstick or pvc pipe. The key is to make sure you're using proper form and recommend you watch the videos on the sl 5x5 site/app. Also, a good book to pick up is Mark Rippetoe's Starting Strength. You can most definitely pull and lift more weight and you'll be surprised how much you'll progress over time. I think once you feel comfortable with using a broom stick I think you're good to go with using an empty barbell.

I still remember the first time I got under the bar and it was pretty intimidating. I also wobbled a bit because I wasn't used to it. After you do it a few times your brain remembers and that's when you learn to engage your stabilizing muscles to get you through the lift.

Good luck! :-)

kandeye

Canadianlbs so true about for being 80 prevent of the battle. For me it's especially true for squats. When my former is a little off the weight feels so much heavier.

klove808

Cool otiwankenobi. Starting Strength is rather cool. I've been checking all kinds of building form videos including ones for if you have injuries etc. these are really helpful. It helps helps get the mind around the moves, that and muscle memory gives ya the boost over those first hurdles.

Btw the broom stick is a tad awkward not too bad but still. Thankfully laughing at ones self makes it all more fun.

fanncy0626

Here is 5x5 with Dumbbells
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/902569-barbell-routines-when-you-only-have-dumbbells

klove808

^ awesome. Thanks. Will check out more in depth ASAP.