Just finished reading "Starting Strength" and I am...in love ❤️
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Yeah, that's the nice thing about bib.com, it sets everything out and even lets you know what to put on each side of the barbell. You should have seen me one day knowing I needed 245 for a top set but forgot my sheet at my desk and I'm trying to "think" what plates go on each side (rolling the eyes). Felt rather foolish.....
Increasing 5 and 10 is what I do each cycle, assuming I get at least 1 on the 1+ week. Sometimes it appears the top number doesn't change but the middle ones do, so that's a gain.
Right now I'm on a calorie deficit so I'm only getting maybe 1 or 2 on the top sets (1+) but I keep adding each cycle and getting those so......it works, at least for me.
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Ahaha! That would be me. Especially since I work out in my garage so early the math does not always come swiftly!
I'm at a pretty steep deficit right now. What are your experiences with lifting heavy and progressing while cutting? I feel like if I keep the progress slow, I will be fine. So far so good. I'm losing weight and fat but also upping my weights. I mean...not in an epic way, but still. I'm hell bent on losing fat and getting stronger no matter what the haters might say. Do you eat pre and post workout? How do you schedule your programming and how many rest days do you take?
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Another good bodybuilder to follow is steve cook. I always enjoy his V-logs and fitness tips.
Been working on my lifts in the comfort of my own basement as well.
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pennystaplessnyder wrote: »
Yeah, that's the nice thing about bib.com, it sets everything out and even lets you know what to put on each side of the barbell. You should have seen me one day knowing I needed 245 for a top set but forgot my sheet at my desk and I'm trying to "think" what plates go on each side (rolling the eyes). Felt rather foolish.....
Increasing 5 and 10 is what I do each cycle, assuming I get at least 1 on the 1+ week. Sometimes it appears the top number doesn't change but the middle ones do, so that's a gain.
Right now I'm on a calorie deficit so I'm only getting maybe 1 or 2 on the top sets (1+) but I keep adding each cycle and getting those so......it works, at least for me.
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Ahaha! That would be me. Especially since I work out in my garage so early the math does not always come swiftly!
I'm at a pretty steep deficit right now. What are your experiences with lifting heavy and progressing while cutting? I feel like if I keep the progress slow, I will be fine. So far so good. I'm losing weight and fat but also upping my weights. I mean...not in an epic way, but still. I'm hell bent on losing fat and getting stronger no matter what the haters might say. Do you eat pre and post workout? How do you schedule your programming and how many rest days do you take?
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I'm on 1600 - 1800 cals a day so fairly steep right now. My strength drops about 10 days in, then stabilizes for about 2 weeks then slowly starts creeping up. I've surpassed previous prs when eating at this deficit and once I hit maintenance or a surplus strength goes up like a rocket. Normally, once I hit surplus strength takes off.
I load 1/2 my carbs in the morning since I lift over my lunch at work. I eat about 40 grams of carbs (cliff bar) an hour before lifting and have lunch right after. My usual morning food is 2 Greek yogurts and the cliff bar.
I follow the schedule Wendler sets out, Monday, Tuesday Thursday and Friday. Wednesday, saturday and Sunday are rest days from lifting but I'm usually doing yard work on the weekends or going for a walk.
Mon OHP, BBB bench
Tue deadlift, BBB squats
Thur Bench, BBB OHP
Fri Squats, BBB deadlift
Each of those days the first lift is the primary and heavy based on the weekly cycle. The BBB is 5x10 at 50% so light for volume.
4th week is deload but I usually only deload once every 3 cycles or when I feel I need it.
Quite a few of my lifting friends think 531 is probably one of the best strength programs to run on a cut. Progression is low enough you can still make gains.1 -
OP have you started? I'm thinking of switching over to 5/3/1 myself. I have until now shied away from programs with a lot of calculating %s because I workout out early a.m. and it's my dumbest part of the day I've repeated PHUL several times and need a change up.
So nutshell is I should go to blackiron beast, pick a program (______???) and then print out my %s each week and get to it?0 -
OP have you started? I'm thinking of switching over to 5/3/1 myself. I have until now shied away from programs with a lot of calculating %s because I workout out early a.m. and it's my dumbest part of the day I've repeated PHUL several times and need a change up.
So nutshell is I should go to blackiron beast, pick a program (______???) and then print out my %s each week and get to it?
You could always use Excel (or some other spreadsheet) to do the work for you. Once you put in the formulas, it'll give you the numbers you need for each lift. For each month/cycle, copy the spreadsheet and adjust the training maxes. That's what I do/did and now have a nice easy file/spreadsheet to look at to see how I've progressed and see when I can somewhat expect to reach certain milestones.1 -
The Wendler 5/3/1 app from SaraSoft does all of the calculating for you. It is the one I use.
It let's you choose your bar weight and tells you what plates to use.
Graphs of your progress, cloud backups of your data, all kinds of stuff.
Almost any "Wendler 5/3/1" phone app will do most -if not all- of the math for you and track your workouts.
Free SaraSoft Wendler 5/3/1 app:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.sarasoft.es.fivethreeonebasic
SaraSoft Wendler 5/3/1 "Pro" version with some extra features:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.sarasoft.es.fivethreeone
Wendler himself tells you pretty much everything you need to know to get started for free in interviews and articles.
Example: https://www.t-nation.com/workouts/531-how-to-build-pure-strength
Use Google to find more.
But to really understand the program, it's variations and philosophy, read the books.
5/3/1: The Simplest and Most Effective Training System for Raw Strength (2nd Edition)
and
Beyond 5/3/1: Simple Training for Extraordinary Results
You can usually buy both books on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/Simplest-Effective-Training-System-Strength/dp/B00686OYGQ/
https://www.amazon.com/Beyond-Simple-Training-Extraordinary-Results/dp/1467580309/
Or directly from his web store:
https://jimwendler.com/collections/books-programs
I personally use First Set Last (either AMRAP or 3x8) from Beyond 5/3/1 instead of Boring But Big mostly because of time.
Do not screw around and mess with the program.
Do it as written for least 6 months before you act like you understand it better than Wendler does.
Make sure you get your starting weights correct, especially your "Training Max" even though you will probably think it is too light.
Don't add a bunch of accessory work.
If you can do more than 1 or 2 accessory lifts then you probably aren't working hard enough on the Big Four.
Consider adding Joker sets, FSL, BBB or something like that instead of 3 or 4 accessory exercises.
Stick to compound exercises as much as you can for accessory work; pull-ups, chin-ups, dips, dumbbell rows.
HIIT cardio only after lifting or on off-days.
Stay away from Steady-State cardio unless you don't care about making decent strength gains on the 5/3/1 program.
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You could always use Excel (or some other spreadsheet) to do the work for you. Once you put in the formulas, it'll give you the numbers you need for each lift. For each month/cycle, copy the spreadsheet and adjust the training maxes. That's what I do/did and now have a nice easy file/spreadsheet to look at to see how I've progressed and see when I can somewhat expect to reach certain milestones.
this works great for me too. you can have it auto-calculate your new training weight/maxes as well. i have it set up so that each cycle is its own worksheet. you just make a reference call back to the same cell in the previous sheet, and add the +5 or +10.
i like gloating over this kind of thing so i set mine up to also show me how much absolute volume i did for that lift and that week overall, plus the progression from the same lift in the previous week or cycle.0 -
I'm about half way through the Starting Strength book. I picked it up on a recommendation from another MFPer. I'm enjoying the technical explanations of the lifts. Once I'm done with it I will start reading Practical Programming. As for lifts I'm doing 5X5 on the big 4, plus some accessory work with rowing.
I am interested in this Wendler program mentioned on this thread, but feel like to need to at least finish up Starting Strength & Practical Programming before moving on to something else.
I also need some more lifting friends. So feel free to add me.
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OP have you started? I'm thinking of switching over to 5/3/1 myself. I have until now shied away from programs with a lot of calculating %s because I workout out early a.m. and it's my dumbest part of the day I've repeated PHUL several times and need a change up.
So nutshell is I should go to blackiron beast, pick a program (______???) and then print out my %s each week and get to it?
You could always use Excel (or some other spreadsheet) to do the work for you. Once you put in the formulas, it'll give you the numbers you need for each lift. For each month/cycle, copy the spreadsheet and adjust the training maxes. That's what I do/did and now have a nice easy file/spreadsheet to look at to see how I've progressed and see when I can somewhat expect to reach certain milestones.
^This. I keep track of all my lifts and progress in a spreadsheet and print out the workouts. Sometimes I forget to do that. No problem, I load the SS into my google docs and if I forget my actual paper, I can pull it up on my phone. I just hate taking my phone into the weight room.0 -
iplayoutside19 wrote: »I just hate taking my phone into the weight room.
As it is, I am a bit more fortunate than some since I have equipment of my own.
I saved up for quite a while and added my income tax refund to buy myself a power rack & safety squat ("SS Yoke") bar.
I don't mind having my phone with me now since the 5/3/1 app I use has a rest timer built-in that I use anyway.
Guessing how long to rest just cannot compare to hearing an alarm go off, in my opinion.
I frequently find myself "ready to go", but the timer still has something like 30 seconds more on it.
Not resting long enough seems to be a common reason why people miss the prescribed reps.
5/3/1, Starting Strength and StrongLifts5x5 all agree that resting enough between sets is important.2 -
iplayoutside19 wrote: »I just hate taking my phone into the weight room.
As it is, I am a bit more fortunate than some since I have equipment of my own.
I saved up for quite a while and added my income tax refund to buy myself a power rack & safety squat ("SS Yoke") bar.
I don't mind having my phone with me now since the 5/3/1 app I use has a rest timer built-in that I use anyway.
Guessing how long to rest just cannot compare to hearing an alarm go off, in my opinion.
I frequently find myself "ready to go", but the timer still has something like 30 seconds more on it.
Not resting long enough seems to be a common reason why people miss the prescribed reps.
5/3/1, Starting Strength and StrongLifts5x5 all agree that resting enough between sets is important.
Rip had a great and simple line regarding how long to rest, which I'll paraphrase here, as I'm not 100% sure of the exact quote: rest however long you need to rest to complete the set.
I also have a tendency to time my lifts. For (strength, not hypertrophy or power) top/near-top working sets, I'll rest 5 minutes. More if I feel like I need it. There have been times where I thought I felt good, but struggled with the set. Rested a little longer, nailed the next set(s). I don't use my phone - I use my watch. I used to just use the clock in the weight room, but the batter died a few times, so I just brought in my watch. Either works.2 -
iplayoutside19 wrote: »I just hate taking my phone into the weight room.
As it is, I am a bit more fortunate than some since I have equipment of my own.
I saved up for quite a while and added my income tax refund to buy myself a power rack & safety squat ("SS Yoke") bar.
I don't mind having my phone with me now since the 5/3/1 app I use has a rest timer built-in that I use anyway.
Guessing how long to rest just cannot compare to hearing an alarm go off, in my opinion.
I frequently find myself "ready to go", but the timer still has something like 30 seconds more on it.
Not resting long enough seems to be a common reason why people miss the prescribed reps.
5/3/1, Starting Strength and StrongLifts5x5 all agree that resting enough between sets is important.
I have my phone with me and use a timer. First 2 working sets are usually a 3 min rest break with 4 for the last set. Although I will also say on the 1+ week it's mainly 4 mins across all sets.
I'm old school and find using the pen and paper method easier than trying to use an app, but that's just me.
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OP have you started? I'm thinking of switching over to 5/3/1 myself. I have until now shied away from programs with a lot of calculating %s because I workout out early a.m. and it's my dumbest part of the day I've repeated PHUL several times and need a change up.
So nutshell is I should go to blackiron beast, pick a program (______???) and then print out my %s each week and get to it?
@grapaj Nope, I haven't switched over yet. But I really do believe it would be the best thing for being in a deficit (1000-1200 calls..I'm short). I've not fully completed the 5/3/1 book yet, but I'm really cracking up with Wendlers writing style. I really like him as he's no nonsense and gets right to the point. I tend to over think things, so his straight forward style works for me.
Like some of you, I'm so grateful for my garage gym! It is my sanctuary. I have a digital clock on the wall that I use for rest periods. I came from circuit full body training for my mud runs, so I noticed that I was getting antsy resting for so long, but I soon learned that I needed the rest and my body is recovering better for it.
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Just got the Sarasoft 531 app! It looks great! Can't wait to use it next week!2
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pennystaplessnyder wrote: »Just got the Sarasoft 531 app! It looks great! Can't wait to use it next week!
Go forth for the gainz!!0 -
Thanks buddy!1
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The Wendler 5/3/1 app from SaraSoft does all of the calculating for you. It is the one I use.
It let's you choose your bar weight and tells you what plates to use.
Graphs of your progress, cloud backups of your data, all kinds of stuff.
Almost any "Wendler 5/3/1" phone app will do most -if not all- of the math for you and track your workouts.
Free SaraSoft Wendler 5/3/1 app:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.sarasoft.es.fivethreeonebasic
SaraSoft Wendler 5/3/1 "Pro" version with some extra features:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.sarasoft.es.fivethreeone
Wendler himself tells you pretty much everything you need to know to get started for free in interviews and articles.
I second the SaraSoft app. Just be aware that the Joker set part of the app doesn't follow correctly. It caps at 3 sets and uses an AMRAP for the 3rd set instead of adding 5-10% until failure. Not a big deal because I am usually wiped by the 3rd set.1 -
I use the stronglifts 5x5 app built in timer. Its awesome. I secure my iphone to the front post of my rack inside the cage in an old armband so I can see and touch the screen but don't have to worry about smashing it with weights or having it fall out of my pocket. If I had to go back to a gym and compete for rack time it would drive me nuts.1
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lsutton484 wrote: »I use the stronglifts 5x5 app built in timer. Its awesome. I secure my iphone to the front post of my rack inside the cage in an old armband so I can see and touch the screen but don't have to worry about smashing it with weights or having it fall out of my pocket. If I had to go back to a gym and compete for rack time it would drive me nuts.
Oh that's a great idea! I'm stealing it! The 531 app has a timer as well. Can't tell you how beneficial it is to give myself plenty of rest time between sets. I used to get antsy and start into my next set because I thought I was being "lazy" or wasting time. Now I know better and I'm progressing each week because of it.
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