Stronglifts 5x5 for Women

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New to SL! Anyone else lift at home?

butterfli7o
butterfli7o Posts: 1,319 Member
edited December 26 in Social Groups
Hi all. I'm reading the SL report and can't wait to start. I plan on doing SL 3x a week and HIIT 2x a week. I don't belong to a gym though...I have equipment at home and have just purchased a barbell w/ assorted weights. Should this be good enough? I already have an elliptical and a home gym, and we don't have room (or extra money) for a power rack. I read in the report that a barbell is sufficient. I'm excited to start and just wanted to say hi! Please feel free to add me.

Replies

  • tameko2
    tameko2 Posts: 31,634 Member
    it will be ok for now but start stalking craigslist for at least a squat rack, and you will eventually want a spotter for benching but I see from your picture that you probably have one. :)

    the deal wiht the squat rack is that your squat weight will quickly outpace the amount of weight you can clean and press on to your shoulders.
  • butterfli7o
    butterfli7o Posts: 1,319 Member
    Thanks, I'm actually already checking into it...it looks like I can get a bench for $60 at Walmart. I've looked on Craigslist and so far nothing. I guess I will have to put a mirror in my garage??
  • tameko2
    tameko2 Posts: 31,634 Member
    you don't NEED a mirror if you can set up a camera/phone to take video of you doing the lift - you shouldn't need to watch yourself in the mirror the whole time, but you will need some way to identify form issues and correct them. Even WITH a mirror, you'll need to use the camera sometimes. Its impossible to see yourself from all angles without it
  • mamamudbug
    mamamudbug Posts: 572 Member
    I do and you're definitely going to need some sort of rack for squats. Welcome to the group!
  • butterfli7o
    butterfli7o Posts: 1,319 Member
    Thanks...I see your point. I'll hunt for a rack!
  • Loulady
    Loulady Posts: 511 Member
    Welcome!

    I'm not too far into the program, and I lift at home. We got a standard weight bench and it's been working great so far. I'm just now getting to the point that I need to think about putting something out as safety catchers for squats - that's something the husband can't really spot and help out with if I fail.
  • DeanneLea
    DeanneLea Posts: 261
    I'm doing the whole program at home but I'm doing his 5x5 Minimalist program he has online for those without a gym.

    Here's what I have:
    Barbell
    Weights
    Mat
    2 Sawhorses(for squats, etc)
    Bench(just added recently)

    I have minimal room and money so the sawhorses have helped a great deal. They're collapsible also. Of course, I'd rather have a power rack but this is working out great for now.

    Good luck!
  • vegannlg
    vegannlg Posts: 170 Member
    I am lifting at home, started last week. (Sore legs!) My husband has had bench/weights since before we were married so I am only lacking in lower increment weights for smaller increases.

    My biggest surprises were actually accomplishing squats with the bar, and how full a work out it was in so few exercises. I also quickly realized I need to up my cals. a bit (famished!), and work on getting more protein. Any vegetarian suggestions outside the usual, that folks can give would be greatly appreciated. I cannot consume any dairy/meat/fish but usually go for the eggs/whites almost every day, along with pea protien shake if need be.

    edit to add: after looking at prices of new equipment, I'm super thankful to have our old stuff, and good luck shopping - some of the used items I saw looked good.
  • Connie48
    Connie48 Posts: 190 Member
    I do, have for yrs. My brother built me a squat rack yrs ago, hubby recently made me a pull up bar (I still struggle with pull ups/chin ups) I really dislike the gym scene. I do on occasion workout in the gym here at work just for something different (lat machine) and thankfully when I go no one is in there so I can get in, get out without waiting around for machines.
  • butterfli7o
    butterfli7o Posts: 1,319 Member
    Thank you for suggesting the saw horses, they're working great! So far so good. :smile:
  • Rays_Wife
    Rays_Wife Posts: 1,173 Member
    I workout at home and I love it. I used to go to the gym but grew tired of it. My husband and I are doing SL 5x5 together and it's great to be able to just go up to our weight room. We have a 300 pound OLY weight set with a bar, a power rack and a bench. Pretty simple set up! I also have a stationary bike and a punching bag but I really don't use those... maybe if I get bored, lol. On my off days I run.
  • Loulady
    Loulady Posts: 511 Member
    Yup, it's time to put out the saw horses here! My very last squat rep on monday was solid, but a definite struggle.

    I went ahead and pulled our saw horses out from the back of the basement, and was happy to find that they fit almost perfectly between the wall and the back of the weight bench.
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