Its June, who's still with me!?
Replies
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We had to do these last week, when we were at another location of our Y. All the benches were back to back here, so no room to stand behind and OHP (in fact, no room to even spot someone on bench, either...weird). So we cleaned from the floor. It was odd but kind of fun. However, it tired me out a little, and I struggled with the full 5 sets at the weight I was lifting.
they are fun, just kind of wierd. Grab an empty curl bar to practice the timing of the part where you hop and do the flip up with the bar. That's the part where timing matters -actually I had to do it today because there was no rack so I used a curl bar for these
I'll take Rippetoe's advice over Mehdi's any day.Yeah, Mehdi wants you to always clean it from the floor; Rippetoe says always from a rack set at clavicle level. I'm just finishing with the rack when it is time to start OHP, so I say doing it from the same rack.
I do it from the rack.
I've been curious about power cleans, but I've only seen one person doing them,, and that was in my alternate gym, not the main one. I'm a bit scared to try them without guidance, as I have a weak wrist.0 -
I need an opinion. I'm currently working with a cheap set of weights that has 2x25-lb plates, 2x15-lb plates, 2x10-lb plates and a scarily flimsy-looking bar weighing probably 5 lbs. This makes it tough (well, impossible really) to increase on squats and deadlifts every workout because after 80 lbs, my next option is to add 2 10-lb plates and go up to 100 lbs. I did this on deadlifts, but I've just stayed with 85lbs (80+bar) for squats for the last 2 weeks.
I've been hunting around on craigslist, but I haven't come up with anything perfect. The best I find is a 35 lb bar and 2x25 lbs, 2x10 lbs, 2x5 lbs, 2x2.5 lbs, 2x1.25 lbs for $80. This will work for the short-term, but at a max weight of 122.5, I'm going to pass that up on deadlifts pretty quickly. I'm thinking I'll buy it anyway and keep looking for plates to add on. Does that sound reasonable? And does the price sound like a decent deal? I like that this set has the 2.5 lb and 1.25 lbs fractional plates and it's close enough to me so I can go pick it up tonight and be done with it. And maybe I'll get lucky and the plates from my existing set will fit this new (used) bar. But I don't want to jump on a useless deal just because I'm tired of looking.
Do you guys have any opinions or suggestions?0 -
I need an opinion. I'm currently working with a cheap set of weights that has 2x25-lb plates, 2x15-lb plates, 2x10-lb plates and a scarily flimsy-looking bar weighing probably 5 lbs. This makes it tough (well, impossible really) to increase on squats and deadlifts every workout because after 80 lbs, my next option is to add 2 10-lb plates and go up to 100 lbs. I did this on deadlifts, but I've just stayed with 85lbs (80+bar) for squats for the last 2 weeks.
I've been hunting around on craigslist, but I haven't come up with anything perfect. The best I find is a 35 lb bar and 2x25 lbs, 2x10 lbs, 2x5 lbs, 2x2.5 lbs, 2x1.25 lbs for $80. This will work for the short-term, but at a max weight of 122.5, I'm going to pass that up on deadlifts pretty quickly. I'm thinking I'll buy it anyway and keep looking for plates to add on. Does that sound reasonable? And does the price sound like a decent deal? I like that this set has the 2.5 lb and 1.25 lbs fractional plates and it's close enough to me so I can go pick it up tonight and be done with it. And maybe I'll get lucky and the plates from my existing set will fit this new (used) bar. But I don't want to jump on a useless deal just because I'm tired of looking.
Do you guys have any opinions or suggestions?
The price isn't bad.. but it's not great either. I bought a 100lb weight set from Walmart (just weights) and it was 25.00 (cheap sand weights but I dont really care). I bought a 35lb non-OLY barbell from Play It Again Sports for 30. I think you could piece together a better set or buy the barbell separate from the weights and just buy a weight or two you need as you progress.
So I would buy a new bar, buy a few new weights as you go. The 1.25 plates can be recreated in other ways- like taping washers or using a few D batteries you velcro onto the bar. I'm under some pretty severe money restrictions though- so if I had the dough, I'd just put out for a whole new OLY set.0 -
We had to do these last week, when we were at another location of our Y. All the benches were back to back here, so no room to stand behind and OHP (in fact, no room to even spot someone on bench, either...weird). So we cleaned from the floor. It was odd but kind of fun. However, it tired me out a little, and I struggled with the full 5 sets at the weight I was lifting.
they are fun, just kind of wierd. Grab an empty curl bar to practice the timing of the part where you hop and do the flip up with the bar. That's the part where timing matters -actually I had to do it today because there was no rack so I used a curl bar for these
I'll take Rippetoe's advice over Mehdi's any day.Yeah, Mehdi wants you to always clean it from the floor; Rippetoe says always from a rack set at clavicle level. I'm just finishing with the rack when it is time to start OHP, so I say doing it from the same rack.
I do it from the rack.
I've been curious about power cleans, but I've only seen one person doing them,, and that was in my alternate gym, not the main one. I'm a bit scared to try them without guidance, as I have a weak wrist.
yeah it tired me too, by the time I got to the fourth set I was like "oh god no thank you, I am done." Actually lately I'm just struggling with these in general and not too sure why - my biceps and triceps are like "wow really, screw you, this is hard." my shoulders and chest are totally find though. I think its my husband's fault -- rather, helping to rack up his 45 lb plates when he is so tall (the middle of the plate is right at eyelevel when i lift it up there). I probably should stop helping but that seems lame, and it takes longer.
Yesterday was my lifting day, I decided to redo the 165 deadlifts because they were so so SO hard last time and they felt a lot easier so I feel confident moving on to 175. Or maybe 170. I think it might be appropriate to start going up by only 5 lbs at a time. And I ALMOST freaking made it on the 145 squat, I did 4 sets of 5 and then the 5th set I failed but I blame the guy waiting for the rack for making me nervous.0 -
I need an opinion. I'm currently working with a cheap set of weights that has 2x25-lb plates, 2x15-lb plates, 2x10-lb plates and a scarily flimsy-looking bar weighing probably 5 lbs. This makes it tough (well, impossible really) to increase on squats and deadlifts every workout because after 80 lbs, my next option is to add 2 10-lb plates and go up to 100 lbs. I did this on deadlifts, but I've just stayed with 85lbs (80+bar) for squats for the last 2 weeks.
I've been hunting around on craigslist, but I haven't come up with anything perfect. The best I find is a 35 lb bar and 2x25 lbs, 2x10 lbs, 2x5 lbs, 2x2.5 lbs, 2x1.25 lbs for $80. This will work for the short-term, but at a max weight of 122.5, I'm going to pass that up on deadlifts pretty quickly. I'm thinking I'll buy it anyway and keep looking for plates to add on. Does that sound reasonable? And does the price sound like a decent deal? I like that this set has the 2.5 lb and 1.25 lbs fractional plates and it's close enough to me so I can go pick it up tonight and be done with it. And maybe I'll get lucky and the plates from my existing set will fit this new (used) bar. But I don't want to jump on a useless deal just because I'm tired of looking.
Do you guys have any opinions or suggestions?
That seems like a decent price to me, the 35 lb bar should support as much weight as you will need in the future and you can pick up plates as needed. Pretty much you'll eventually need to pick up another set of 5s or 10s (so you can put 20 lbs on the bar) and then eventually a pair of 35s and a pair of 45s. You might be able to pick up more plates on CL later too if youkeep watching.0 -
Tonight was just ROUGH. I was at 82 lbs for squats, and my form was terrible. I think I should deload, maybe back to 75. And OHP was bad. I need to watch a ton more videos on this, I think. I had deloaded to 50 lbs, and it was a struggle. No clue why. And I had to also deload on deadlifts, down to 105 lbs. This wasn't too bad. But I felt like a weakling, but 120 lbs was just too much.
And update on the fractional plates. All but 3 fit. One of the .25, .5, and 1lb sets didn't fit. The other in each set fit fine. So I've emailed the company, hoping for a replacement. :grumble:0 -
Tonight was just ROUGH. I was at 82 lbs for squats, and my form was terrible. I think I should deload, maybe back to 75. And OHP was bad. I need to watch a ton more videos on this, I think. I had deloaded to 50 lbs, and it was a struggle. No clue why. And I had to also deload on deadlifts, down to 105 lbs. This wasn't too bad. But I felt like a weakling, but 120 lbs was just too much.
I hit a point like that a couple weeks ago (either that or I was terrified of 100 lbs). I intended to take an entire deload week, but ended up only deloading for one session and then went back to previous weights because I felt like I could.
Now I'm going strong again.
Try a deload, see what it does for you.0 -
I'll take Rippetoe's advice over Mehdi's any day.
Yeah, no kidding!0 -
Tonight was just ROUGH. I was at 82 lbs for squats, and my form was terrible. I think I should deload, maybe back to 75. And OHP was bad. I need to watch a ton more videos on this, I think. I had deloaded to 50 lbs, and it was a struggle. No clue why. And I had to also deload on deadlifts, down to 105 lbs. This wasn't too bad. But I felt like a weakling, but 120 lbs was just too much.
And update on the fractional plates. All but 3 fit. One of the .25, .5, and 1lb sets didn't fit. The other in each set fit fine. So I've emailed the company, hoping for a replacement. :grumble:
It really could just be a bad day - we all have them. Have you been eating less, were you dehydrated, less sleep, etc? I've had days where I just did crap crap crap all night for whatever reason.0 -
Tell me about it. I stuck at 25kg for press yesterday because Its still tough to complete. My arms were already tired as I'd done 2 hours of pole training the previous day. Some days just arent going to be as good as others, but just keep on it
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I wasn't officially planning on lifting today, but since I woke up at the crack of dawn i figured I would, and now I will get 3 lifting days this week! had good and bad results:
squat 140!!!! New PR for me!
OHP: booo failed 65 first set/rep. deloaded to 60 and struggled 5-4-3-4-4...boo. Last 2 or 3 times I have done 60 5x5 :grumble: Not sure if its a fluke or because I am eating at a good size deficit??
Deads; 125, but form might be a bit sketchy, so i may repeat this weight next time...!!0 -
I had to switch from SL to Wendler's 5/3/1, because it's more friendly to a 2x/week routine than SL, which I need, because I do other high-intensity stuff and was making myself sick (am I still allowed to be here?
).
I'm currently at:
Squat: 135lb (5x5)
OHP: 85lb (5x5) / 75lb (x10; 5/3/1 routine, last set, reps to fail)
Bench Press: 100lb (5x5)
Row: 105lb (5x5)
DL: 170lb (1x5) / 175lb (x5; 5/3/1 last set, to fail)
@littledumplings - The standard is generally a 45lb barbell, as it's the Olympic standard weight. Regardless of the weight of the barbell, the listed weights do include the barbell. It still has weight, and you're still lifting it, after all. :happy:
I am looking at how to incorporate a 2 day per week program without compromising strength and I looked into this, but after reading the website I was like :huh: huh!! I dont get that website at all, it was very confusing to me....
I can't speak for the website, because I basically bypassed that. I found a great explanation on it here - http://www.muscleandstrength.com/workouts/hardcore-look-at-jim-wendlers-5-3-1-powerlifting-system.html
I also stumbled on a calculator that basically converts your SL stats to a 5/3/1 routine, and then gives you program suggestions. http://www.strstd.com/
I use the "Not Doing Jack ****" one, and do Days 1 and 2 on Mondays, and 3 and 4 on Fridays.0 -
In a not-so-funny coincidence this also happened to me last night. I kept asking hubs if I was reaching parallel because something just felt wrong about my squats last night. He kept saying yes. Recorded self and *bam*.. not even close. So, I ended up doing box squats for the rest of the set to ensure I was getting my *kitten* down where it needed to be.But what do I do about the SQUATS? I will take any and all advice, even if you say I should kick him in the balls for misleading me for weeks....
Downside of box squats is that I'm super short so I just reach below parallel on them ;( Not a chance of deep squats happening until I can get off the box. That said, I think I'm box squatting for at least 1-2 more sessions before I re-evalute.
I expect I'll be stuck on some weights at the moment until my fractional plates come in. I know my shoulders can't manage a 5 lbs jump on bench or OHP ...
My last workout A (06/05 pre mini vacation):
Squat - 115x2, 110x3 - stalled
Bench - 60x5
Rows - 70x5
Last night was a B night
Squat - 110x5 (see above rant re: squats)
OHP - 45x4, 40x1 - stalled (not unexpected due to shoulder issues)
Dead - 111
Some small victories. Lots of running in place.0 -
I expect I'll be stuck on some weights at the moment until my fractional plates come in. I know my shoulders can't manage a 5 lbs jump on bench or OHP ...
Since I'm not going to be able to afford fractionals any time soon, this is where I do extra reps.
Let's look at your bench weight. . .
60 lbs x 25 reps (5x5) = 1500 lb workload
65 lbs x 25 reps = 1625 lb workout
Ok, so try to get a couple extra reps at 60 lbs. You may not make a 5 sets of 6 reps, but say you get 6/6/5/5/5, that's a work load of:
60 x 12 + 60 x 15 = 1620 lb workout
That's really, really close to the the total workout of 65 lbs at 5x5. So, the time after that, you should be able to at least start on the 65.0 -
Last night:
Stronglifts 5x5 Minimalist program...
Squat- 68.8 lbs
OHP- 55 lbs(did a few reps at 63 lbs and then 58.8 lbs but was failing miserably...I was weak in the arms last night lol)
Deadlift- 100 lbs
Planks 3x30 sec0 -
Squat 135 with 1x5 one up at 140
OHP 60 failed set 3, finished 55 @ 3x5...felt shaky, weak and just plain awful. Had to bend my knees just to get up the bar up. Bleh.
Deads: switched my grip to two over versus one under and one over and no more stiff back. 140 felt good.
I have become a gym hopper! I am tired of waiting for the power rack so am signing on with a crossfit gym today. I'm excited, but not happy about how much it's going to cost me. I'm going to try to work out something with the manager today. We shall see!0 -
Only got 3 sets in...
Squat. 95
bench 90
row. 75. Deloaded for form
Added horizontal pallof press as accessory for core stability. 20# 3x10 each side
Drinking coffee and then lifting on an empty stomach, while the heat and humidity were rising was a bad idea. I may have to find a gym for the summer.0 -
OK! I'm 15kg on squats, CP, BBR, OHP (I'm working up to Olympic bars) and empty 20kg Olympic bar for deadlift ....and doing them all quite easily
The next weight up is 20kg (in the big boys corner), is that too much of a jump? (I'm using preweighted bars that you cant add on or take off)...or it means I need to back in the body pump area and use their weights with smaller increments...anyway, no harm in trying i think
My question is this....if I fail on squats...what do i do with the barbell? how do you drop it/let go of it safely?
And also (sorry to be a pain) what warm ups should i be doing? I do 20 mn cross trainer and a few reps of 10kg bar of the exercises im doing that day...does that sound ok? did some burpees too, but the lads could see down my top so I need to wait to get a tighter top to do those again lol
Thank you my lovelies x0 -
Doreen - I have totally considered that (plus they have more SPACE to do oly lifts if I want) but gooood its so much more expensive. My current membership is 50 for both of us and we can go to almost any 24 hour fitness we want. Hard to replace that wiht crossfit which would be like 4 times the price.
Lil dumpling - I'd personally go for the smaller jump if you can, you don't need to rush the weights, they are very easy in the beginning but it WILL be heavier very quickly.
Warmups - I used to just do bodyweight squats, now I do empty bar squats for 1 set and then a set around 95/115 (my work weight is 145) I don't do any cardio warmup - basically the goal of hte warmup is to get your muscles and joints warm and lubricated, blood flowing, etc. A few bodyweight squats will pretty much do that for me. I also tend to do some dynamic stretching with my shoulders/back (just pinching my shoulder blades together, hugging myarms around myself forward, etc) What you're doing sounds fine, if anything its more than you probably need unless you are cold.
Do you have a power rack or squat rack? There should be catch bars for when you fail -you'll squat down and then if you can't get back up you'll just drop and let the catch bars grab the bar and you can crawl out from under it.0 -
I'm not in the power/squat rack with the 15kg bars, they are too short....will get to the power/squat rack when I get up to Olympic bars. Forgot about those racks that'll catch the bar if i fail because I'm just doing them freestanding at the mo! Duh me lol! Doubt I'm gonna fail freestanding under 20kg so all's well
Thank you x0 -
I'm not in the power/squat rack with the 15kg bars, they are too short....will get to the power/squat rack when I get up to Olympic bars. Forgot about those racks that'll catch the bar if i fail because I'm just doing them freestanding at the mo! Duh me lol! Doubt I'm gonna fail freestanding under 20kg so all's well
Thank you x
In my uh... first hand... experience. I failed with nothing but an empty 15lb bar
It's easy to ditch- just open your palms and let the bar roll backward over your fingers and to the floor. Chances are you won't destroy yourself or your fingers if you're not up to OLY bars yet. I'm excited to get to use the powercage- then I can ditch to the pegs- till then I let it roll back. 0 -
That's a fabulous idea. Thanks!Ok, so try to get a couple extra reps at 60 lbs. You may not make a 5 sets of 6 reps, but say you get 6/6/5/5/5, that's a work load of:0 -
That's a fabulous idea. Thanks!Ok, so try to get a couple extra reps at 60 lbs. You may not make a 5 sets of 6 reps, but say you get 6/6/5/5/5, that's a work load of:
No problem. It's what I've been doing, especially on overhead - I'm soooo weak on that one. All the others make me feel totally BEAST and that one humbles me every time!
Today:
Squat: 110 lbs for 5/4/5/5/4 (second try at that weight)
Overhead: 55 lbs 5/4 Could NOT lift it again so deloaded to 50 lbs and got 5/5/5 but the last one was really hard. (I got 6/6/5/5/5 at 50 last time.) So, first time at that weight. I think I'll do better next time.
Dead: 110 1x5
Assisted pull up: 110 lbs assist (~70 lb lift) 5 reps0 -
I REALLY REALLY REALLY love this program. I never thought I would dig weight lifting ever, but I really love his formula!0
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Thanks for the opinions on the Craigslist weights. I went and took a look at them today, but the bar was a bit rustier than I would have liked--much more than it appeared to be in the photo--so I decided to pass.
But now I'm thinking I really need to figure out a different way to do this, anyway. I probably shouldn't buy anything, and instead I should just do the workouts at my gym. But I don't have anyone to go to the gym with me and I don't love the idea of doing bench and overhead press without a spotter. At home, my son spots me and serves as my "squat rack". Problem is, I did 90lbs on squats today, and he had a hard time getting the bar up to my shoulders, so I think I've outgrown him. And he doesn't have a membership to my gym or any interest whatsoever in going with me, so I'm on my own there. I think this is why I was supposed to get married years ago!
Oh, and I need to learn to add! Today, I was supposed to do 65 lbs on bench press, but I miscalculated and did 75. I failed at 4 reps on the last 2 sets and was feeling kinda bummed about it until I mentioned the 65 lbs to my son and he caught my mistake. I'll stick with 70 next time, because the 75 was definitely too much.
So far this week, I'm at:
I'm at:
Squat 90 5x5
Bench 75 3x5 2x4(s/b 65)
Row 85 5x5
OH Press 60 5x5
Deadlift 105 5x50 -
8th session coming up tomorrow afternoon. Gotta say, i like how the progression doesn't let me "wimp out" on weight increases. I at least have to try.
So far, no failures, but I see that changing soon; overhead press and pendlay row are getting TOUGH.
Not sure about the squat; I'm trying to stay below parallel. In a previous program, I made it up to body weight, but wasn't a stickler for form. Think I'll accept the fail rather than give in on form this time. It's not a race, right?
So, end of session seven:
Squat: 75
Bench: 60
Pendlay Row: 80
Overhead Press: 55
Deadlift: 115
Taking a week off after session 8 due to family vacation. Hope it doesn't set me back, but it will be what it will be. In the past, a break has helped increase my lifts, fingers are crossed for a repeat.0 -
Today:
Squat 115 finally!
BP - 5 @ 85, 18 @ 83 (will try 83 for 5 sets next time)
DL 160 ... decided to stay here because it felt really heavy.0 -
Hi, I am new and will be starting the stronglift workout tomorrow, can't wait0
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Good luck for tomorrow!
Today was session 8, I did
40kg squats
27.5 row and bench
Really pleased with progress. On the downside Im starting to feel a little fluey now, Im dosing up on lemsip as have a fun-packed weekend of exercise planned, go away ill, I dont have time for you!0 -
@dragon: thanks for the info and links. I will check them out.
i was supposed to go to the gym tomorrow to do a workout and that would be my third of the week, but just realized that my DH is working overnight tonight so I cant go
Boo!!
have to figure something else out!
Sounds like everyone is doing a great job!!!!
@miov: can you use the squat rack instead of a spotter? Thats what I do and set the safety bars....0
