Who do you trust with your form?

Calliope610

I am starting over with SL5x5 this afternoon. I "started" about 1 month ago, but only did about 4-5 workouts. I started morning walks with my new puppy about that time, and really felt overwhelmed doing the morning walks (I was already walking evenings) and lifting, so I let the lifting slide for a while. Now I'm feeling guilty b/c I'm not spending enough time in the gym. So it's time to re-start SL5x5.

When I was doing it before, I really wasn't feeling much support from the "trainers" at my gym. The one guy I was working with seemed more interested in getting my to use the machines than using the free weights. And although the guys lifting are real nice and answer my questions, I doubt the accuracy of the info they give me. One guy told me to keep my feet pointed straight forward when squatting. huh? I was watching the Mark Rippetoe videos for form instruction, and this "feet forward" stance was counter to what Mark teaches. So now I'm kinda hesitant about asking for help at the gym.

Needless to say, I'm a little disconcerted, and that is effecting my confidence when restarting SL5x5. I know I'm fat (212lbs), old (50yo), my form sucks and I really don't know a damn thing about what I am doing. I read and studied the SL5x5 summary by tameko2, have watched Mark's and Medhi's tutorials and training videos. I just don't know if I'm properly prepared to start this again. Maybe I just need some encouragement.

If there are any other videos, etc that might be helpful, please let me know.

And thanks, Callie

Amazing1985RSD

If you listen to no one at the gym, you are at least 90% likely to make the best choice. I recommend ALL of Rippetoe's vids on his website, startingstrength.com

Also keep in mind that it takes time to perfect your form. It just takes getting used to. If you have time, I'd also like to recommend that you read Ripp's book also, Starting Strength 3rd Edition.

kirabob

Remember that you start off with pretty light weights - so while you need to be concerned about form, you won't be working with weights that are in the 'dangerous' zone yet.

And, we will be glad to help you out- do you have some way that someone could video you or take stills? That way if you aren't sure about something, you can post it here and get feedback you might trust.

I think 95% of starting to lift is just going in to do the lifting - you CAN do it - and I will bet it will be easier this time with all that walking under your (much smaller) belt!

DaniH826

As much as I didn't like what my husband had to say, I do trust him with my form, and I have applied his feedback.

Also, form is something you get better with over time. In the beginning, aim for "decent", and focus on the basics and definitely get those correct before you add significant weight. Because good form is going to ultimately prevent you from becoming injured. Your form is going to improve over time as you make adjustments and as you develop muscle memory for the basics to the point where you can actually focus on tweaking things. Barbell training is very, very technical, and so don't feel bad if you don't have perfect form right out of the gates, or even for a good while.

Focus on spinal alignment, hip movement, and having a stable base for all the lifts as a priority. Focus on making sure the bar travels in a vertical path, and make sure that the bar is balanced and your body doesn't lean or you do most of your work with one side. Those are very basic things, but even they will take focus and training if you're very new to barbell training. If you have to, practice squats without barbells at all. Do hip hinges. Dry practice (without weights) in front of a mirror to get a look at what your spine does when you do certain movements. Etc.

Far as gym people go, find somebody who actually does these lifts with good form (or close to what you remember seeing in Rippetoe's videos), and ask them for feedback with your own form.

Be patient and practice, practice, practice.

jstout365

Far as gym people go, find somebody who actually does these lifts with good form (or close to what you remember seeing in Rippetoe's videos), and ask them for feedback with your own form.

Be patient and practice, practice, practice.

^^Totally this. I don't see too many people in my gym doing lifts close to what Rippetoe teaches. Actually today was the first day I saw someone other than me doing a standing OHP. Opinions on what correct form is can greatly vary from one person to the next. Watch the Rippetoe videos and when you need to know for sure, try to get a video or still pictures, as mentioned above, and ask here.

PetulantOne

I would also say, get a copy of starting strength. He has a lot of tips that are hard to notice from watching videos unless you know what you're looking for.