Hi! & Question : SL + barre
threesixten
Posts: 134 Member
Hi all! After reading NROL4W and, well, skimming the Starting Strength book, I have decided to embark on my heavy lifting adventures with Stronglifts. Not only am I weak but I also LOOK weak and I would like to change that by adding some muscle.
I hesitate to have ever called myself an active person.. but I started barre class 4-5x/week about 3.5 months ago. It has been great in that the payment structure as well as class setting promote accountability. I finally feel like I can commit to a fitness regimen and NOT revert to my lazy, couch potatoey ways.
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My question is: would it be detrimental to my progress with SL to continue attending barre classes? If I continued, would it be better to double up class on the days that I do train (considering the class is (mostly) not cardio) and leave rest days for resting?***
For those who do not know what barre is.. I think the class structure/exercises vary from studio to studio, but mine consists of planks, pushups, tricep dips, low weight/high rep armwork, leg lifts, glute bridges, supermans, etc. We use dumbbells, sometimes resistance bands, sometimes pilates rings, and usually a small ball.
Also, is this something I should ask on the "big" forum? I realize males may have a valid opinion on the matter as well.
Thanks! I can't wait to get started!
I hesitate to have ever called myself an active person.. but I started barre class 4-5x/week about 3.5 months ago. It has been great in that the payment structure as well as class setting promote accountability. I finally feel like I can commit to a fitness regimen and NOT revert to my lazy, couch potatoey ways.
***
My question is: would it be detrimental to my progress with SL to continue attending barre classes? If I continued, would it be better to double up class on the days that I do train (considering the class is (mostly) not cardio) and leave rest days for resting?***
For those who do not know what barre is.. I think the class structure/exercises vary from studio to studio, but mine consists of planks, pushups, tricep dips, low weight/high rep armwork, leg lifts, glute bridges, supermans, etc. We use dumbbells, sometimes resistance bands, sometimes pilates rings, and usually a small ball.
Also, is this something I should ask on the "big" forum? I realize males may have a valid opinion on the matter as well.
Thanks! I can't wait to get started!
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Replies
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I cannot imagine that barre classes will interfere in a serious way with barbell training. It's mostly bodyweight and barbell work, and I would treat it as assistance exercises--they might even facilitating recovery by getting the blood to move through your muscles on rest days (from barbell lifting). Since you do not really increase strength between sessions in those types of exercises, they can only interfere so much with your barbell work. Carry on if you like it. But it would be the first thing I would cut from my program if recovery became a problem. If, that is, you value strength.
About the SS book: skimming it is fine for most people. There are some important details about training (e.g., attire, equipment) in the squat chapter, and there is a lot of really important programming stuff in the last chapter. I would study those chapters closely, and re-visit the other chapters periodically if you develop problems on your lifts or get stuck and cannot make progress. That is often due to a form issue, and as you know, this book is mostly about form.0 -
Good to know I can keep up barre. Yeah, I imagine I will be revisiting SS on a regular basis as necessary. It is very in depth and informative and I am thankful to now own it as a valuable resource! Strength is indeed an important goal I've set out for. Thank you for the reply!0
