A beginner strength program by Mark Rippetoe.
13
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3answers
2k views
I missed a Starting Strength workout and squats are getting intense - should I change my schedule?
As recommended by SS (Starting Strength) I am running workouts A and B, alternating every other day. However, with only a two day break in between squats I feel like I haven't fully recovered most of ...
8
votes
3answers
407 views
Doing Starting Strength once a week
I'm new to strength training, and, for the time being, can do it only 1 once a week (or maybe every other week). I do aerobic several times a week, and, currently, can't give it up.
Should I follow ...
8
votes
2answers
801 views
Starting Strength: a practical program?
Based on this site's recommendation, I got a hold of Starting Strength. It's clearly a spectacular book. But, as a beginner, I find it hard to make practical. It has lots of deep knowledge about ...
8
votes
4answers
217 views
On a 3x5 program, can I do 4x5 or 5x5 if I'm able to?
If I'm many months in to Starting Strength (which prescribes 3 sets of 5 at the work weight), but I can do 4 or 5 sets, would this be advisable?
I know I could just try it, and if I start stalling, ...
8
votes
1answer
274 views
My knees come together when I squat. Is this ok?
I have been following Starting Strength for about a year and a half. I squatted 3x4 @ 285 lbs today. I was doing 5x5 sets, but read a suggestion on here to reduce to 3x5, and I immediately noticed an ...
7
votes
3answers
599 views
Am I gaining anything more by doing accessory work with Starting Strength or is it potentially not contributing anything?
I'm a new lifter about two months into Starting Strength. Recently I bought myself a dip tower so I could add some chin-up/pull-up accessory work. My gym buddy mentioned that potentially I may be ...
7
votes
2answers
913 views
How can you tell that you are eating enough to build your muscles?
So I'm doing a strength training program (Starting Strength) wherein each time I exercise, I increase the weight lifted by a small increment.
The other day, I was working out and I 'hit a wall', ...
7
votes
1answer
370 views
Starting Strength: How do I know when I should cut?
I've been bulking since I started lifting (Starting Strength path, two months in) but have started wondering this week - when do I cut? Is this purely when I can no longer stand the fat that ...
7
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1answer
346 views
What's the point of the weekly 2-day break in Starting Strength's programming? Can a novice just skip that?
Starting Strength prescribes two daily lifting schedules (A and B), to be performed alternately on 3 non-consecutive days per week.
That means something like this:
S M T W T F S
...
6
votes
3answers
1k views
How should I breathe when lifting?
I've heard many different things about how to breathe when lifting? What are some clear, simple, common sense, generally accepted ways to breathe when lifting? (Squatting or pressing.)
I'm following ...
6
votes
3answers
2k views
Cons of doing all the Starting Strength “Practical Programming Novice Program” exercises on the same day?
I recently started doing the Practical Programming Novice Program from Starting Strength. Program below:
Monday
3x5 Squat
3x5 Bench press / Press (Alternating)
Chin-ups: 3 sets to failure or add ...
6
votes
2answers
124 views
What to do having underestimated an increment?
I did my second deadlift routine today but didn't increase the recommended 15 pounds from the first time as I'm purposely limiting growth by only having a caloric surplus on my workout days.
Instead ...
6
votes
3answers
1k views
Combining weight-lifting (starting strength) with rockclimbing?
I've been following the Starting Strength program for a few weeks now, on and off. Unfortunately, I haven't been as regular as I'd like (lets chalk it up to student life), but I feel I'm making ...
6
votes
2answers
341 views
What is the best iOS App for tracking Starting Strength progress?
What is the best iOS application for recording and tracking progress in Starting Strength?
I need an app that tells me which lifts I am supposed to do on which day. It must also allow me to input my ...
5
votes
3answers
1k views
A linear progression v-taper program
I've now done four Starting Strength workouts and admire the linear progressive nature of it and really look forward to each workout. I'm not sure however it's the best choice for addressing my ...
5
votes
5answers
944 views
Overhead press alternative to bench press?
I do my lifting at home and don't have a suitable bench. I'm currently using two ordinary monoblock chairs as my "bench" and I don't think I'm doing my bench presses right because my arms are ...
5
votes
2answers
210 views
Barbell presses without a suitable power/squat rack?
Started Starting Strength at a gym today and when I came to the presses, I discovered that the power rack didn't have holes on the outside of the vertical members, meaning a loaded bar could only be ...
5
votes
4answers
338 views
Should I follow the gym's program or just stick to Starting Strength?
I'm trying to follow the Starting Strength program, and need some help with the exercises. The trainers at the gym want you to do a fancy circuit, using some freeweights but mainly machines.
Should ...
5
votes
2answers
122 views
Why is the protein recommendation for strength building dependent on bodyweight?
I've just started Starting Strength today and it's recommended to ensure protein intake is adequate to feed muscle growth so the next lift can be made at a heavier weight--the 1g protein per pound ...
5
votes
4answers
776 views
High Heel in weightlifting shoes
After much urging, I bought some Wei-Rui weight lifting shoes. But I found my deadlift in them became much worse, not better. A friend told me that the high heel in them ruins the deadlift. He told ...
5
votes
1answer
399 views
How can I best modify starting strength to fit with a team practice schedule and cardiovascular conditioning?
I have two goals: improve speed and vertical, and improve at my sport (ultimate).
It seems from my relatively untrained state, the biggest gains in speed and vertical will come from strength ...
5
votes
1answer
874 views
Effects of aerobic exercise after weight lifting
What are the effects, positive and negative of:
Swimming for 30-60 min immed. after weight training
and/or
Walking briskly a few miles the day after weight training
I'm following Starting ...
4
votes
5answers
2k views
Resuming workouts after 2 months. Any beginner workout suggestions?
I had to take a break from working out for 2 months.
When resuming after a long break, are there any good alternative workout plans that you follow to gain back some of the lost strength and stamina ...
4
votes
2answers
162 views
What's proper head/torso motion for overhead barbell press?
I'm ready to learn the overhead barbell press, but am very confused about the head, neck, and torso motion. When do you tilt in, when do you tilt out?
Can someone clarify this? The arms are clear but ...
4
votes
2answers
162 views
Slight panic when weightlifting?
I'm new - more specifically I'm about three months into starting strength. Tonight for the first time I felt a slight panic on my squat and my deadlift. Nothing too serious - just thoughts that I ...
4
votes
2answers
350 views
My back goes horizontal (forward) when squatting
When squatting, my back is too horizontal (forward). The bar goes forward of my toes. What should I do to correct this? Is it due to not keeping my lumbar tight enough?
Also: I haven't checked ...
4
votes
3answers
546 views
Should I really lock my elbows and knees when lifting?
When bench pressing, at max extension, should I lock my elbows or keep them loose?
What about my knees when squatting?
UPDATE: Here are some links from the Mayo Clinic warning against locking joints ...
4
votes
1answer
263 views
Elbow movement during Rippetoe Press
When doing a (standing, overhead) press as described in Starting Strength, are your elbows supposed to stay in a vertical plane, under your hands and in front of your hands (more or less), staying at ...
4
votes
4answers
253 views
I'm doing Starting Strength M/W/F but have a PT appointment on Thursday; how to adapt?
I've been consistently doing Rippetoe's Starting Strength program every Monday, Wednesday and Friday for two months. Today (Thursday), I've got an appointment with an instructor to go through some ...
4
votes
1answer
140 views
Breaking down on Starting Strength
So my favorite Training Program let me down or should I say I fail to raise myself to it's level :-(
Last 2 months have been difficult on SS. First I wanted to lose weight and then travelling and ...
4
votes
1answer
207 views
Rounding of the lower back while doing squats
I've been working with Starting Strength for a while now and although I've been taking lots of notes on form and watching videos wherever I can I can't stop rounding my back. I find that when I'm ...
4
votes
1answer
150 views
How to find a weight lifting coach?
What's the best way to find a good coach for weight lifting in my area?
The trainers in my gym seem to be very big & strong, but not experts in form, or at least not know (at all) how to teach ...
4
votes
1answer
155 views
Strength training for health tips for an endomorph?
I am about to embark on a strength training program, most likely Starting Strength possibly blended with aspects of Strong Lifts. I am a 32yr old male who is out of shape (weak and terrible cardio) ...
3
votes
2answers
502 views
What type of pants are good for weight lifting?
I'm more comfortable weight lifting in pants than in shorts, but find they inhibit proper knee position when squatting. Are there any types of pants or material that will stretch well enough to be ...
3
votes
2answers
2k views
Should I lift weights fast or slow?
When lifting weights (squat, bench press, deadlift, whatever) is it better to do the motions as slowly as possible or fast and explosive? I've heard both opinions.
Please support your answer.
Note: ...
3
votes
2answers
622 views
Changing Starting strength to lose Fat
Is it possible to alter Starting strength to lose weight ?
Basically I have three questions :
In the existing program how can a person lose weight ? There are many success stories available on the ...
3
votes
2answers
601 views
Weighlifting shoes for a beginner
I'm getting into strength training, following the Starting Strength program, and they advise strongly to buy some weightlifting shoes. (Currently, I'm using some tough hiking sneakers, and don't feel ...
3
votes
1answer
201 views
Squat form: out or down?
What's the right to squat: Focus on driving up and down, or on sticking one's backside out?
From what guys at the gym say, and many pictures online, you need to be sticking yourself out. Yet from ...
3
votes
2answers
196 views
Learning form without weights
One thing I like a lot about the Starting Strength program is its focus on squats. Why? Because I could practice and practice them, getting my form right, without weights.
Now that I can squat well, ...
3
votes
1answer
162 views
How to ensure you use the right technique when learning from a book?
I have recently moved to a foreign country and find myself with a lack of things to do. As such, I've decided to finally follow a weightlifting program; I choose Starting Strength. It has just five ...
3
votes
1answer
185 views
What should I look for in a Starting Strength coach?
What should I look for in a coach? How do I find a good one?
My goal is an occasional check up to help me with my form - price prevents regular sessions.
I'm considering finding one of the Starting ...
3
votes
2answers
322 views
Basic anatomy for weight lifting and starting strength?
Reading the Starting Strength book, he throws around a lot of anatomical terms. Yet, surprisingly, there's no diagram or chart or glossary explaining what all these are.
What's the best way to learn ...
3
votes
1answer
213 views
Are you prone to injury directly after weight lifting?
I'm following the Starting Strength program, and I find that I'm fine the next day, as long as I warm up each lift as he recommends.
But, I find that immediately after lifting, even though I'm not in ...
3
votes
1answer
249 views
My leg pinches in to my hip when squatting
I'm doing barbell squats as described in Starting Strength.
When I get to a certain depth, I feel my thigh bone (femur?) pinching up against the inside of my pelvis, and feel like I can't go any ...
3
votes
2answers
224 views
Do starting strength twice a week instead of three? [duplicate]
Possible Duplicate:
Doing Starting Strength once a week
I was thinking to do Starting Strength twice a week instead of three, on Mondays and Thursdays, because Fridays I tend to be busy ...
2
votes
4answers
214 views
Is there a Mon-Fri lifting program for beginners, similar to Starting Strength?
I've been doing Starting Strength for a month now and am still progressing fine. However, I'd have time to lift every weekday, and really want to. Is there a similar, well-tested program that I could ...
2
votes
3answers
86 views
Rest between warm-up sets
In a strength program (e.g., 3x5 or 5x5) where one warms up to their work weight with non-taxing sets, say:
2 x 5 x 20% work weight
1 x 5 x 40% work weight
1 x 3 x 60% work weight
1 x 2 x 80% work ...
2
votes
2answers
429 views
Best stretches before weight training
I have a set of stretches I generally do; not sure where I got them from, but they seem to work for me. (I use them for general stretching, not strength training).
Now that I'm starting weight ...
2
votes
2answers
146 views
Should I reboot Starting Strength program, to get better results?
I had started Starting Strength (SS) on mid January, 2013, and have continued 3 workouts/week since then (I think I missed only 2 workouts when I fell sick in between). But, while introspecting if I ...
1
vote
3answers
225 views
Is bouncing when lifting dangerous?
Some books recommend a gentle bounce when bench pressing or squatting. This feels wrong to me. It feels safer and more controlled to come to a complete stop, then start up again. What should I do?
