Questions re: Plateauing and Weight Loss Relationship

zamphir66
zamphir66 Posts: 582 Member
edited December 2024 in Fitness and Exercise
So, I have another ~25 lbs I need to shed. That's going fine. I've lost 10 in the past 3 months, right on schedule. My "problem" (I don't know if it's a problem) is that I feel like I'm close to plateauing on pretty much all 5 lifts in SL 5x5. Does being in a calorie deficit make this happen faster? Is there a way to push past it?

I should add that prior to the almost 2 months now that I've been stronglifting, I have pretty much 0 heavy lifting experience. Also, I was born premature and have always been the skinniest of persons. I'm "little boned," ha ha.

One tip I saw in another threat was to up the weights weekly rather than in every session. I think I'm going to do that from now on. Also, I think I'm ordering some dumbell bars to work with my plates and add in a bunch of assistance exercises.

So, have I pretty much answered all my own questions? Lol.

Replies

  • zamphir66
    zamphir66 Posts: 582 Member
    Nobody loves me.
  • cathipa
    cathipa Posts: 2,991 Member
    Have you tried increasing your calorie intake. If I'm cutting my lifting tends to suffer since I am not taking in as many calories. Not sure what your calorie goal is, but I would aim for 0.5 pounds lost per week and see if this helps.
  • zamphir66
    zamphir66 Posts: 582 Member
    I keep good data -- I'm pretty sure I have room to ease up a bit on the deficit. Plus maybe adding more protein. Thanks!
  • Sued0nim
    Sued0nim Posts: 17,456 Member
    edited July 2016
    You've been doing stronglifts for 3 months from a beginner and already feel like you're plateauing

    I assume a small defecit as 10lbs in 2 months but you could drop to 1/2lb a week ...I assume you are hitting minimum protein and fats, getting enough sleep, not stressed etc

    How's your form? Can you get a coach / experienced lifter to check and feedback (even post videos on here because there are a number of people who are good at that), I wouldn't have expected a stall so quickly TBH
  • zamphir66
    zamphir66 Posts: 582 Member
    edited July 2016
    Sued0nim wrote: »
    You've been doing stronglifts for 3 months from a beginner and already feel like you're plateauing

    I assume a small defecit as 10lbs in 2 months but you could drop to 1/2lb a week ...I assume you are hitting minimum protein and fats, getting enough sleep, not stressed etc

    How's your form? Can you get a coach / experienced lifter to check and feedback (even post videos on here because there are a number of people who are good at that), I wouldn't have expected a stall so quickly TBH

    Actually just 2 months. Here's where I stand:

    I just did 135 on squat and it was HARD.
    Bench at 90 was even harder, I don't know what adding 5 lbs will do there.
    On OH, I know that I'm getting bad form starting at about 65 lbs -- my midsection and lower body are kind of 'helping' me get the bar up, which is bad. I've taken that back down to 60.
    Barbell Row feels more or less OK; it's hard but I think I can keep progressing.
    Deadlift I'm to 175 (my BW) and it's probably what I'm most comfy with. I don't feel a stall there in the near future, for whatever reason.

    I can't overemphasize just how skinny I am, LOL.

    I will jury rig a tripod and see about taking some vids so as to get feedback.

    ETA: I checked my progress, and I was 185 in mid-May. So that's 10 lbs in 2 months.
  • Sued0nim
    Sued0nim Posts: 17,456 Member
    What's your height? Male or female?

    You call yourself skinny so are you looking to bulk rather than cut? I'm a little confused now
  • zamphir66
    zamphir66 Posts: 582 Member
    edited July 2016
    Sued0nim wrote: »
    What's your height? Male or female?

    You call yourself skinny so are you looking to bulk rather than cut? I'm a little confused now

    Skinny in the sense of muscle tone I mean. I was a paperweight up until a few years ago, then I got divorced and gained 50+ lbs. So, padding on top of skeleton, with little muscle in between.

    eta: I'm a 5'7.5" male.
  • Sued0nim
    Sued0nim Posts: 17,456 Member
    OK?..2 months in from a standing start I'd be working on form..form is, and always will be, key. lots of great videos around

    I'm currently deloading my squat so I can work on form and depth ..and I've been lifting for a couple of years so am still quite new to it all

    How's your protein intake (0.64-0.8g per lb bodyweight at a minimum)
  • zamphir66
    zamphir66 Posts: 582 Member
    edited July 2016
    My average over the last 30 days is 94g. That's actually misleading because there are several days when I got LOTS of protein, but most days it's below that 94 number. So: I need to make an effort to bring that number up to more like 125 at least, and consistently. That seems tough, but I'll do it.

    Also: should point out I'm an alcoholic w/one month sobriety under my belt. My stress is probably high, and I know my sleep is a bit off. Those things will pass, I believe. I got some meds, and I'm starting therapy shortly.
  • zamphir66
    zamphir66 Posts: 582 Member
    So here's two videos to show my form:

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4IBOwLxl7yc

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NKcWmK-0hlw
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