strong lifts 5x5 question

Traveezy
Traveezy Posts: 57 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
do people really start the program as suggested, using just the bar?? I started today and it seemed like a waste. just wondering if im wasting time starting so low or if I should go ahead and jump up a few weeks worth of weight.

Replies

  • karlahere
    karlahere Posts: 79 Member
    I've read that it's okay to start low then work your way up, so that's what I'm doing. My plan is to focus on form first because I'm really scared of risking injury I could have prevented with proper form. Also, I think I will easily get discouraged if I am forced to reduce weight on my lifts because of stubbornness.

    Are you confident with your form?
  • Mighty_Rabite
    Mighty_Rabite Posts: 581 Member
    I don't think it would be a bad idea for someone to start with just the bar if they don't know form properly for the moves.

    If form isn't a question though.. I don't see an issue working up somewhat quickly to find where your strength currently lies.
  • MoreBean13
    MoreBean13 Posts: 8,701 Member
    I don't think it would be a bad idea for someone to start with just the bar if they don't know form properly for the moves.

    If form isn't a question though.. I don't see an issue working up somewhat quickly to find where your strength currently lies.

    Agree.
    It totally depends on your form and if you know enough to know if your form is OK.

    Personally, though, I don't like the balance of an empty bar.
  • jimmmer
    jimmmer Posts: 3,515 Member
    Personally, though, I don't like the balance of an empty bar.

    I agree. I would recommend someone started with a goblet squat rather than an empty bar. Cues some good mechanics from the off.
  • scottb81
    scottb81 Posts: 2,538 Member
    I started 4 weeks ago and did not start with just the bar. I added enough weight the first time that I could at least feel something, probably somewhere around 50% of 1RM. Also, I increased the weight on some exercises by 10 instead of 5 pounds each time until it began to start feeling like work. Then I went back to 5 lb increases.
  • Traveezy
    Traveezy Posts: 57 Member
    yeah I used to lift quite a bit so im good on form, I think im gonna have to add a little weight. ty guys for the advice.
  • jlclabo
    jlclabo Posts: 588 Member
    if your form is not an issue, then the big question is where you feel your 5x5 working set should be weight wise.

    in my case im doing 135x10, 185x5, and then my 5x5 working set at 225 right now. the 5th rep on set 4 and 5 are difficult but not to failure. i have progressed from 205 to 225 in a matter of 2 weeks or less. you just want to make sure you are heavy enough to stress the nervous system to help you grow stronger, but not too light so that it doesnt help enough.
  • Traveezy
    Traveezy Posts: 57 Member
    I really just want to skip ahead a few weeks to where I at least feel some resistance. ill probably just play around and see what I can do 5x5 of without failure but still feel a good burn and start there.
  • jppd47
    jppd47 Posts: 737 Member
    I really just want to skip ahead a few weeks to where I at least feel some resistance. ill probably just play around and see what I can do 5x5 of without failure but still feel a good burn and start there.

    Both my friend and I bumped up few weeks in certain lifts we were all ready strong with.

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