Started SL5x5 today

Calliope610

My final free session with a "trainer", so I asked him to go over the lifts for the 5x5. We had done the squats and bench press before, and I felt comfortable with them. He showed my the deadlift, overhead press and Pendlay rows. I did 5x5 of Workout B - overhead press with an empty bar (that was the hardest lift - I struggled with the final rep on set 5), deadlift @ 65lbs, rows @ 55lbs and then squats @ 55lbs.

I can't wait for Thursday.

My one problem is my range of motion with the squats. Due to my weight (220lbs) and size, I can't squat deep - at all. I can maybe get 40-50% down. My thought is that with time, I will increase my flexibility and be able to squat deeper. Is this correct? The trainer said my form looks good on the other lifts.

Anyways, just wanted to chime in tonight. I'm sure I will be stopping by the group more often.

nz_deevaa

Here I am at 220lbs squatting 80kg.



As with Dead-lifts having extra padding around the mid-section is an issue when it comes to squat form for those of us with a belly. Doing squats with a wider stance to allow your belly space is the key.

Make your stance slightly wider, and angle your feet outwards.

And yes, your depth will improve as your flexibility improves.

A year ago I had knee surgery, and my knee ROM was impaired by the fat on the back of my thighs meeting the fat on my calves when I bent my knee at 90 degrees.

As I've lost weight that has become less of an issue and my flexibility and ROM have both improved.