SL 5x5 week 2 and still on the bar

TheVirgoddess
TheVirgoddess Posts: 4,535 Member
edited November 2024 in Fitness and Exercise
So I'm going to the gym regularly. I've gotten over my fear of looking like a jackhole. I'm confident in my form and my routine.

I just can't bring myself to add weight to the damn bar. I'm scared that I'll drop the bar or hurt myself. Especially when I'm benching or squatting.

I know this is probably ridiculous. I'm ridiculous frequently. Maybe I just need someone else to tell me I'm being ridiculous. Any takers?

Replies

  • giantrobot_powerlifting
    giantrobot_powerlifting Posts: 2,598 Member
    edited April 2015
    TheVirgoddess wrote: »
    So I'm going to the gym regularly. I've gotten over my fear of looking like a jackhole. I'm confident in my form and my routine.
    Excellent! And you are not a jackhole whatever that is.
    TheVirgoddess wrote: »
    I just can't bring myself to add weight to the damn bar. I'm scared that I'll drop the bar or hurt myself. Especially when I'm benching or squatting.
    Bench in the power rack and set the safeties, or get a spotter if need be. Try adding the 2.5 labs to each side. Its not that much and you'll surprise yourself. No fears to be had.
    TheVirgoddess wrote: »
    I know this is probably ridiculous. I'm ridiculous frequently. Maybe I just need someone else to tell me I'm being ridiculous. Any takers?
    Take the tiger by the tail!
  • ar9179
    ar9179 Posts: 374 Member
    Do you feel that you're really struggling to complete the sets with just the bar? If you feel confident about completing them, add that weight. Or, go get a set of fractional plates and add it on in smaller increments.

    I'm a 45 yr old female and started with the same apprehensions. In fact, I'm always incredibly surprised that I can get through a workout without a failure (had a few with lower deficit). I know it's coming, but my numbers are respectable for a complete beginner and I'll be ok with it. Only so much that you can do on a deficit!
    Don't sell yourself short. You're getting stronger.
  • lishie_rebooted
    lishie_rebooted Posts: 2,973 Member
    So stick with the bar til your more comfortable and add weight next week.
    No big deal.

    I totally get the fear
  • Travis_2
    Travis_2 Posts: 1,445 Member
    Naked hit it on the head. From there, go in with confidence. Self doubt leads to failure. (So does recklessness, but I don't think you have to worry about that).
  • RavenLibra
    RavenLibra Posts: 1,737 Member
    If you can do a full set of 5x5 you should have no problem adding a 2-1/2 lb plate to each side... for the next step up... or even a 5 lb plate to each side... lifting is about building muscle And confidence... so get you some of both!!!
  • TheVirgoddess
    TheVirgoddess Posts: 4,535 Member
    Okay, I'm adding to the bar tomorrow. Thank you guys!!!
  • giusa
    giusa Posts: 577 Member
    edited April 2015
    nakedraygun wrote: »
    TheVirgoddess wrote: »
    So I'm going to the gym regularly. I've gotten over my fear of looking like a jackhole. I'm confident in my form and my routine.
    Excellent! And you are not a jackhole whatever that is.
    TheVirgoddess wrote: »
    I just can't bring myself to add weight to the damn bar. I'm scared that I'll drop the bar or hurt myself. Especially when I'm benching or squatting.
    Bench in the power rack and set the safeties, or get a spotter if need be. Try adding the 2.5 labs to each side. Its not that much and you'll surprise yourself. No fears to be had.
    TheVirgoddess wrote: »
    I know this is probably ridiculous. I'm ridiculous frequently. Maybe I just need someone else to tell me I'm being ridiculous. Any takers?
    Take the tiger by the tail!

    ^^^^ This!

    I have a very small frame, no muscle mass to speak of. Couldn't start at the recommended weights. But slowly I've added plates and proud of my (small) progress. I use the smaller (2.5/5) increaments recommended for women instead of the larger increaments (5/10).

    You'll be suprised at yourself. There's also a great SL 5x5 group of women for support - http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/group/4601-stronglifts-5x5-for-women

    Good luck! You've got this!
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