Stronglifts 5X5: Question re Weight Increments?

peejaygee1
peejaygee1 Posts: 3,588 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
Hi guys,

I'm intending on starting out on Stronglifts 5X5 today and I have a Torque F7, which has two independent weight stacks that are operated by a cable system:

f7.jpg

The F7 has a bar attachment included so I can do all the lifts on it. I'm just worried about how to introduce the weight increases that the program asks for?

My problem is that the plates on each side of the machine go up by 10lb per plate (i.e. if I move up a plate size I will move up a total of 20lb per increase)

How would you recommend adjusting the SL5X5 routine to work with these restrictions? I have a free weight bar but only have a set of 20lb free weight plates, and can't currently afford to go buying more plates for my bar.

Any suggestions??? I appreciate any help you can offer...

Replies

  • the_dude00
    the_dude00 Posts: 1,056 Member
    You can't really do stronglifts without a bar and a squat rack. The squat is the major exercise in the program, and every exercise hits your core as well.

    Just can't be done on the equipment you have...
  • peejaygee1
    peejaygee1 Posts: 3,588 Member
    Thanks. The machine I have has a bar attachment included, as well as a squat harness attachment, so I'm sure I can do the lifts. I just need some direction on how to increase the weights.
  • SJ46
    SJ46 Posts: 407 Member
    Thanks. The machine I have has a bar attachment included, as well as a squat harness attachment.

    This?
    http://torquefitness.com/residential/squat-harness.html

    That's not quite the same thing as a barbell squat.

    Interesting piece of equipment, I hope you can find a way to make it work.
  • peejaygee1
    peejaygee1 Posts: 3,588 Member
    This?
    http://torquefitness.com/residential/squat-harness.html

    That's not quite the same thing as a barbell squat.

    Interesting piece of equipment, I hope you can find a way to make it work.

    Yep, that's it. I'm sure I can use the equipment (albeit slightly modified) to do the program, I'm just after some direction on how to increase the weight increments in a safe and effective manner. I don't want to hurt myself, after all.
  • MB_Positif
    MB_Positif Posts: 8,897 Member
    This?
    http://torquefitness.com/residential/squat-harness.html

    That's not quite the same thing as a barbell squat.

    Interesting piece of equipment, I hope you can find a way to make it work.

    Yep, that's it. I'm sure I can use the equipment (albeit slightly modified) to do the program, I'm just after some direction on how to increase the weight increments in a safe and effective manner. I don't want to hurt myself, after all.


    You may not be able to. If the stacks go up by 10, then you will need to be ready to go up by 10 :/
  • SJ46
    SJ46 Posts: 407 Member
    I've found that I am fine increasing squats and deadlifts with 10 lb plates but that would be impossible for me with the upper body lifts (bench press and overhead press). Is there any way you could attach 5 or 2.5 lbs on each side of the bar?
  • ILiftHeavyAcrylics
    ILiftHeavyAcrylics Posts: 27,732 Member
    The cable machines at my gym have some little 2.5 and 5 lb weights that lay on top of the attached weight plates (they've got cut-outs where the cables go). Is there something like that for your equipment?
  • MB_Positif
    MB_Positif Posts: 8,897 Member
    You might find it more beneficial to see if there are any workouts on bodybuilding.com or the Torque Fitness website that are more suitable for the equipment.
  • peejaygee1
    peejaygee1 Posts: 3,588 Member
    I've found that I am fine increasing squats and deadlifts with 10 lb plates but that would be impossible for me with the upper body lifts (bench press and overhead press). Is there any way you could attach 5 or 2.5 lbs on each side of the bar?

    Are you talking on the free weight bar? I've only got 2 x 20lb, 4 x 5lb, 4 x 2.5lb and 4 x 1lb plates, which I'm sure will be fine in the early stages but I will very quickly outgrow them, and there's no way the add them to the plates on my F7.

    I know it'd be much easier to do the whole program if I had more free weight plates, unfortunately that is not a cost I can afford at this moment in time. I was hoping I could make it work with what I have in the meantime until I can afford some new plates.

    *sigh* :ohwell:
  • peejaygee1
    peejaygee1 Posts: 3,588 Member
    The cable machines at my gym have some little 2.5 and 5 lb weights that lay on top of the attached weight plates (they've got cut-outs where the cables go). Is there something like that for your equipment?

    Unfortunately, I don't have them. It does give me something to look at for the future when I can afford to buy some more equipment though. Thanks!
  • ILiftHeavyAcrylics
    ILiftHeavyAcrylics Posts: 27,732 Member
    You might find it more beneficial to see if there are any workouts on bodybuilding.com or the Torque Fitness website that are more suitable for the equipment.

    Honestly this is what I'd recommend. Stronglifts is great and I recommend it, but it's going to be very difficult to accomplish given your equipment.
  • peejaygee1
    peejaygee1 Posts: 3,588 Member
    You might find it more beneficial to see if there are any workouts on bodybuilding.com or the Torque Fitness website that are more suitable for the equipment.

    Thanks, I've never really had a close look at the Torque website to see if they have any programs. I'm might give it a look-see though.

    I was really hoping to give SL5X5 a go and was quite looking forward to it, but if it becomes too difficult to modify with the equipment I have, I think I will have to look at another weight program instead. :frown:
  • SJ46
    SJ46 Posts: 407 Member
    You might find it more beneficial to see if there are any workouts on bodybuilding.com or the Torque Fitness website that are more suitable for the equipment.

    Honestly this is what I'd recommend. Stronglifts is great and I recommend it, but it's going to be very difficult to accomplish given your equipment.

    Considering the constraints of the equipment you have then I agree with these two ladies. Strong Lifts is a great program but it isn't the only way to do things.
  • peejaygee1
    peejaygee1 Posts: 3,588 Member
    You might find it more beneficial to see if there are any workouts on bodybuilding.com or the Torque Fitness website that are more suitable for the equipment.

    Honestly this is what I'd recommend. Stronglifts is great and I recommend it, but it's going to be very difficult to accomplish given your equipment.

    Can you recommend any good routines you've seen on bodybuilding.com or elsewhere that would be worth having a look at?
  • peejaygee1
    peejaygee1 Posts: 3,588 Member
    You might find it more beneficial to see if there are any workouts on bodybuilding.com or the Torque Fitness website that are more suitable for the equipment.

    Honestly this is what I'd recommend. Stronglifts is great and I recommend it, but it's going to be very difficult to accomplish given your equipment.

    Considering the constraints of the equipment you have then I agree with these two ladies. Strong Lifts is a great program but it isn't the only way to do things.

    Thanks for your help...I appreciate it. Back to the drawing board it is then...
  • MB_Positif
    MB_Positif Posts: 8,897 Member
    Here's this

    https://www.google.com/search?site=&source=hp&ei=FjkmU8KSCPLl0AHYwIGYBA&q=torque+fitness+f7+workouts&oq=torque+fitness+f7+&gs_l=mobile-gws-hp.1.4.0l5.4113.12525.0.14735.19.19.0.9.9.0.436.4769.1j4j9j4j1.19.0....0...1c.1.37.mobile-gws-hp..2.17.2544.aOlprCL0RHE
  • peejaygee1
    peejaygee1 Posts: 3,588 Member
    Here's this

    https://www.google.com/search?site=&source=hp&ei=FjkmU8KSCPLl0AHYwIGYBA&q=torque+fitness+f7+workouts&oq=torque+fitness+f7+&gs_l=mobile-gws-hp.1.4.0l5.4113.12525.0.14735.19.19.0.9.9.0.436.4769.1j4j9j4j1.19.0....0...1c.1.37.mobile-gws-hp..2.17.2544.aOlprCL0RHE

    Thanks! I was just googling the same...Still determined to build dem muscles!!!

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