August is for lifters - Check in and Chat Thread
tameko2
Posts: 31,634 Member
We should start August by celebrating Qarol's 100 lb squats!
How's everyone else doing?
How's everyone else doing?
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Replies
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Way to go Qarol!
I'm focusing more on form and fat loss than strength increases. My squat is abysmal and I tweaked my back a little the last time I did deadlifts. I'm deloading and just trying to regroup before pushing forward.0 -
Well sadly I'm on a time-out for the rest of the week. I did something to my shoulder, not sure what, but it's in way too much pain to want to mess with it. I'm hoping by the weekend things will be worked out. Otherwise I'm going to cry - and not from pain, but from the frustration of not going to gym .. LOL0
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I went last night, trying to get back on 3x/wk.
It was not good.
I don't know if my body is now used to at least 2 days rest between sessions, or I didn't have enough food yesterday, or my period just threw me off, but damn.
I had done 115 lbs on squats last time, so I went to 120. I only did 4 sets of 3 reps each. On the 3rd rep on all the sets, I was struggling and on the last set, I think it started to turn into a good morning.
Overhead press was ok, my third try at 60 lbs, and I did 5/5/5/4/3, so I need to deload next time, I guess. Again, last rep was probably not great form on all the sets. Got it to just clear my head and had a hard time locking out and getting under it. Managed it, but it was close (and slow).
Deadlifts, though, UGH!
I did 120lbs last time with little/no problem. Went to 125 lbs and managed the 5 reps, but I think my form was off, because I had a spasm in my lower back when I was done.
I had intended to to assisted pull ups, but with my back feeling off, I didn't.0 -
I'm a few weeks into the program... so far so good. The only lift that I think will start giving me grief sooner than the others is the OHP. I'm at 55 so far....we shall see. I was really feeling it towards the end on my last OHP day. The other issue I have is that squats KILL my wrists and shoulders...I am super flexible (hyper actaully) so being stiff isn't the reason. ....I'm thinking I need wrist braces or something...other than that, I am taking this week and next week off (except the weekends) for baby swimming lessons. I might have to deload a bit when I start back up on my regular 3x a week routine but for now I'll only be lifting on Sat and Sun back to back (Its a no no...I know). Luckily my work weight is still pretty light compared to what I was used to.....
Anyone use the safety squat bar for squats?0 -
Joining in! Starting 5x5 now, did a split routine before, can't wait to get started. I'm at 175lbs for squats and 185lbs dl, hope I can up those a bit soon
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I'm a few weeks into the program... so far so good. The only lift that I think will start giving me grief sooner than the others is the OHP. I'm at 55 so far....we shall see. I was really feeling it towards the end on my last OHP day. The other issue I have is that squats KILL my wrists and shoulders...I am super flexible (hyper actaully) so being stiff isn't the reason. ....I'm thinking I need wrist braces or something...other than that, I am taking this week and next week off (except the weekends) for baby swimming lessons. I might have to deload a bit when I start back up on my regular 3x a week routine but for now I'll only be lifting on Sat and Sun back to back (Its a no no...I know). Luckily my work weight is still pretty light compared to what I was used to.....
Anyone use the safety squat bar for squats?
I had this problem, too. Look up thumbless grip with low bar position. With that, your hands push the bar onto your back and are just balancing the bar, not holding it. It took a little getting used to, as it's different and you end up going forward a little more in the down position, but it helps that wrist thing (my wrists are hypermobile, too).0 -
Well I was suppose to do my second workout today but didn't. My thighs are still sore to the point it hurts to sit down on a chair. I am so out of shape. I do feel better today than I did yesterday so I will do today's workout tomorrow. So that means I will be in the gym Saturday but at least I will get 3 workouts in this week. I'm hoping soreness is not going to be a problem after every workout.0
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I had every intention of lifting today, but then sleep became a very high priority (read: I slept through the alarm). I left work early to hit the gym only to find at Asshat using the squat rack. Normally I wouldn't assign a designation, but I asked him how long he would be using the rack and he said "As long as it takes." Then he looked me up and down and said "Do you even know how to use this thing?" And he went back to curling just the bar. *sigh*
My next lifting day is Friday.0 -
Great job on the 100lb Squat!
I've just made it to 85 and found that it hurts less the next day, if I don't put the bar on my neck but on the upper back and shoulders; like in the strong lifts videos.
Dead lifts 110
Overhead 45
Bench 65
Row 500 -
I had every intention of lifting today, but then sleep became a very high priority (read: I slept through the alarm). I left work early to hit the gym only to find at Asshat using the squat rack. Normally I wouldn't assign a designation, but I asked him how long he would be using the rack and he said "As long as it takes." Then he looked me up and down and said "Do you even know how to use this thing?" And he went back to curling just the bar. *sigh*
My next lifting day is Friday.
Wow...how extremely rude! Maybe because I'm older the guys have never been anything but respectful of me. I have even been ma'amed a few times, which unfortunately reminds me I'm not actually as young as I feel!0 -
August 1 workout!
Squats 132.5
OHP 62
Power cleans are 45 and 55 lbs.
I stopped at three sets on squats. All was well until I started set four. On the way down my right knee didn't feel quite right. I know too many people with messed up knees and I don't want to be one, so I stopped. Ten minutes later my knee felt fine, but I'm not sorry I stopped...It might not be feeling so fine if I hadn't. I felt really good about OHP's. I had completed three sets at this weight last week, but instead of going up in wait I wanted to get in all five sets.0 -
Wow...how extremely rude! Maybe because I'm older the guys have never been anything but respectful of me. I have even been ma'amed a few times, which unfortunately reminds me I'm not actually as young as I feel!
The regular morning guys at my gym are all really cool. We don't speak to each other beyond the head nod and they've kind of...shuffled me in? I get the squat rack at 5:30 after the college kid finishes his deads (he moves over to the dumbells for 4 billion curls), but I try to be out by 6:15 because the guy who arrives at 5:45 to do abs, pull-ups, and leg press uses the rack after his leg press for squats. We're a well-oiled machine in the morning, with the unofficial line for the rack.
I've never encountered someone like that guy before. And hope I don't encounter him again. It's doubtful I'll avoid confrontation if he is so rude again.0 -
On the way down my right knee didn't feel quite right. I know too many people with messed up knees and I don't want to be one, so I stopped. Ten minutes later my knee felt fine, but I'm not sorry I stopped...It might not be feeling so fine if I hadn't.
That was a really good call. I would stop if at any point my knee twinged. I only have 30% of an ACL in my left knee so I understand how vital a knee is to, you know, life. I take glucosamine & chondroitin with MSM and Ester-C for overall joint health. I cannot speak highly enough of that supplement for knees and shoulders!0 -
On the way down my right knee didn't feel quite right. I know too many people with messed up knees and I don't want to be one, so I stopped. Ten minutes later my knee felt fine, but I'm not sorry I stopped...It might not be feeling so fine if I hadn't.
That was a really good call. I would stop if at any point my knee twinged. I only have 30% of an ACL in my left knee so I understand how vital a knee is to, you know, life. I take glucosamine & chondroitin with MSM and Ester-C for overall joint health. I cannot speak highly enough of that supplement for knees and shoulders!
That sucks ... you're so young! Were you a high school athlete? I have heard good things about that supplement. My daughter's bf who has issues with his vertebra due to football injuries speaks highly of it. So far I'm pain free, but the older I get the more careful I am.0 -
That sucks ... you're so young! Were you a high school athlete? I have heard good things about that supplement. My daughter's bf who has issues with his vertebra due to football injuries speaks highly of it. So far I'm pain free, but the older I get the more careful I am.
I was...sort of an athlete in HS. I was a recreational fighter.
I'm fortunate genetically in that my knees are really tight. If you have "loose knees" your ACL is an imperative. For me it's not, which is nice. I tore my ACL when I was 19. I didn't have health insurance, it was an extra $3000 to get my ACL repaired (on top of $13000 I already had to pay), so I couldn't afford to get it fixed. Sucked. BUT, it doesn't impede progress for me. I'm just a little extra careful - no skiing or snowboarding or tennis and I take the supplement for it.0 -
I was...sort of an athlete in HS. I was a recreational fighter.
I'm fortunate genetically in that my knees are really tight. If you have "loose knees" your ACL is an imperative. For me it's not, which is nice. I tore my ACL when I was 19. I didn't have health insurance, it was an extra $3000 to get my ACL repaired (on top of $13000 I already had to pay), so I couldn't afford to get it fixed. Sucked. BUT, it doesn't impede progress for me. I'm just a little extra careful - no skiing or snowboarding or tennis and I take the supplement for it.
Good thing you're allowed to lift weights at least. I tore mine in HS, had surgery though and couldnt do anything for over a year. My friend had ACL reconstruct surgery as well, he's 2 years post OP now and still not allowed to squat heavy weights.:/ Also he has scar tissue issues or something, he had to get those removed, he can't kneel down without pain yada yada yada. Ugh, feel with you. :ohwell:0 -
OMG! That made my day!We should start August by celebrating Qarol's 100 lb squats!
I ♥ all the ladies!
I find myself planning social activities around my lifting time. I never expected that when I first started.
And I cannot believe that rude guy, lauleipop. Wouldn't it be fun if you could tell the morning guys about him...they could give him what's what.0 -
Q is the BOMB!!
pushed squat to 150 today, dl to 175. Sort of thinking it may be time to move away from 5x5's again.0 -
I'm going to hit 70 on bench this month. Since I wrote it down and went public on the Internet it has to happen.0
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I'll be watching and waiting!I'm going to hit 70 on bench this month. Since I wrote it down and went public on the Internet it has to happen.0 -
Going in tonight after Tuesday night was a write off. Got home 30mins late, then there were 7 guys doing inclined press ups in the rack and I only got to use it 40mins before gym closes and had a guy jumping in with me, which was fine, but no time for the rest of the workout. :S
So tonight, hopeful face, I will attempt 62.5kg squats, repeat 35kg on bench and row.
Fingers crossed I get in. LOL0 -
I'm a few weeks into the program... so far so good. The only lift that I think will start giving me grief sooner than the others is the OHP. I'm at 55 so far....we shall see. I was really feeling it towards the end on my last OHP day. The other issue I have is that squats KILL my wrists and shoulders...I am super flexible (hyper actaully) so being stiff isn't the reason. ....I'm thinking I need wrist braces or something...other than that, I am taking this week and next week off (except the weekends) for baby swimming lessons. I might have to deload a bit when I start back up on my regular 3x a week routine but for now I'll only be lifting on Sat and Sun back to back (Its a no no...I know). Luckily my work weight is still pretty light compared to what I was used to.....
Anyone use the safety squat bar for squats?
I had this problem, too. Look up thumbless grip with low bar position. With that, your hands push the bar onto your back and are just balancing the bar, not holding it. It took a little getting used to, as it's different and you end up going forward a little more in the down position, but it helps that wrist thing (my wrists are hypermobile, too).
I googled this issue yesterday before I saw your reply and from what I can see, a lot of power lifters suggest something called a "false grip" where your thumb is actually on the same side of the bar as your other fingers. Is this kinda what you are suggesting too? Can't wait to try it...apparently you can do it with dead lifts and rows too!0 -
I changed to having my thumbs over the bar and wrists straighter. It felt awkward and I had to put my hands a little bit wider on the bar, but I've got used to it and don't seem to have any problems with my wrists or shoulders. I don't use that grip for deadlifts, because I'm actually holding the bar for deadlifts, whereas for squats all I need to do is keep it in position. It feels reasonably comfortable now I'm used to it.0
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I think I am going to start doing SL just 2x/week. I might do something with higher reps. that involves more muscle endurance for my 3rd strength workout each week to change things up. Not quite sure exactly what I'll do. Any suggestions?0
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I'm a few weeks into the program... so far so good. The only lift that I think will start giving me grief sooner than the others is the OHP. I'm at 55 so far....we shall see. I was really feeling it towards the end on my last OHP day. The other issue I have is that squats KILL my wrists and shoulders...I am super flexible (hyper actaully) so being stiff isn't the reason. ....I'm thinking I need wrist braces or something...other than that, I am taking this week and next week off (except the weekends) for baby swimming lessons. I might have to deload a bit when I start back up on my regular 3x a week routine but for now I'll only be lifting on Sat and Sun back to back (Its a no no...I know). Luckily my work weight is still pretty light compared to what I was used to.....
Anyone use the safety squat bar for squats?
I had this problem, too. Look up thumbless grip with low bar position. With that, your hands push the bar onto your back and are just balancing the bar, not holding it. It took a little getting used to, as it's different and you end up going forward a little more in the down position, but it helps that wrist thing (my wrists are hypermobile, too).
I googled this issue yesterday before I saw your reply and from what I can see, a lot of power lifters suggest something called a "false grip" where your thumb is actually on the same side of the bar as your other fingers. Is this kinda what you are suggesting too? Can't wait to try it...apparently you can do it with dead lifts and rows too!
Yes, but Rippetoe recommends it ONLY for squats. He says several times in SS that this grip is only for squats.0 -
Here's Rippetoe on the grip for the squat: http://startingstrength.com/index.php/site/index/platform_the_squat_bar_position0
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I'm a few weeks into the program... so far so good. The only lift that I think will start giving me grief sooner than the others is the OHP. I'm at 55 so far....we shall see. I was really feeling it towards the end on my last OHP day. The other issue I have is that squats KILL my wrists and shoulders...I am super flexible (hyper actaully) so being stiff isn't the reason. ....I'm thinking I need wrist braces or something...other than that, I am taking this week and next week off (except the weekends) for baby swimming lessons. I might have to deload a bit when I start back up on my regular 3x a week routine but for now I'll only be lifting on Sat and Sun back to back (Its a no no...I know). Luckily my work weight is still pretty light compared to what I was used to.....
Anyone use the safety squat bar for squats?
I had this problem, too. Look up thumbless grip with low bar position. With that, your hands push the bar onto your back and are just balancing the bar, not holding it. It took a little getting used to, as it's different and you end up going forward a little more in the down position, but it helps that wrist thing (my wrists are hypermobile, too).
I googled this issue yesterday before I saw your reply and from what I can see, a lot of power lifters suggest something called a "false grip" where your thumb is actually on the same side of the bar as your other fingers. Is this kinda what you are suggesting too? Can't wait to try it...apparently you can do it with dead lifts and rows too!
Yes, but Rippetoe recommends it ONLY for squats. He says several times in SS that this grip is only for squats.
Other people will talk about a thumbless grip for other movements - the deal is, in some ways it IS better for certain people (the way our bodies are, hands are, etc) but its more dangerous.
So, its up to you. I wouldn't switch to thumbless unless its causing you a LOT of discomfort or making the movement too difficult/off kilter for you. You are a lot less likely to drop a loaded barbell on your chest if you use a grip with thumbs, but also for MOST movements you have time to get the f*** out of the way before it lands on you and assuming you have a spotter, if you feel your hand start to slip you can always yell for help.0 -
Confession time- I was on week 4, and then I quit. My squats were killing my hips, and I'm kind of a chicken to ask anyone in the gym for help. I already used my orientation to strength training that comes free with a membership (of course she told me an hour of cardio 6x/week and light weights/high reps UGHHH) and I don't know what to do.
I'm seriously trying to convince my social butterfly husband to start this with me. He doesn't know jack about lifting outside of what he learned in high school football (nothing solid), but at least he won't be afraid to ask someone to help us (read me, lol). Once I quit working out, my eating went to crapland, and I'm re-losing some weight.
Okay, this was super whiny. Not my intention, I swear! But you all inspire me to not give up my dream of being strong. If nothing else, I can start going to the gym more often once school starts since my little ones will all be in childcare.0 -
Yeah Q!!!!! Whoot! Whoot! :drinker:
I finally weighed myself after staying off the scale for a month and my weight is up slightly (118.8 to 122.6) but....and there is a but, but my butt is smaller!! ;o) Yeah squats!!!!
I'm at Session 39, working toward on 95 # tomorrow, 75 chest press, barbell 75, DL 145 (actually accomplished 155 but deloaded), OHP 60. My biggest accomplishment was finally moving to the Olympic bar for OHP bc I was increasing weight on the smaller bar because I just could not do it...don't know if it was balance thing because I'm so short or what but using the OB was a huge success for me.
Go get 'it this month girls!!! Let's close the month with a BANG!! 0 -
@ Wheezy, so you quit. You can start back over. Tomorrow is a new day to live your dream. Make it happen & go get it!!
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